Jamaica to honor gospel artist Kukudoo with thanksgiving service and tribute concert
Key Points(5)
- A Service of Thanksgiving and tribute concert will be held this month to honor the life and legacy of gospel artiste David “Kukudoo” McDermott, who died in May at age 56.
- Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange announced that the Service of Thanksgiving will take place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center in Kingston.
- Viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m.
- A Tribute Concert celebrating Kukudoo’s contribution to Jamaican music will also be held at the same venue on Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
- Grange described Kukudoo as a “cultural force” whose music celebrated African-derived spiritual traditions within Jamaican society.
A Service of Thanksgiving and tribute concert will be held this month to honor the life and legacy of gospel artist David “Kukudoo” McDermott, who died in May at age 56.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange announced that the Service of Thanksgiving will take place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center in Kingston. Viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
A Tribute Concert celebrating Kukudoo’s contribution to Jamaican music will also be held at the same venue on Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Grange described Kukudoo as a “cultural force” whose music celebrated African-derived spiritual traditions within Jamaican society. She said the artiste’s powerful performances connected with audiences across generations and social backgrounds.
“He was a strong performer who resonated across generations and social backgrounds,” Grange said, adding that his passing represents a significant loss to Jamaica’s cultural landscape.
Kukudoo was also honored during the recent Labour Day Concert, an event where he had been a regular performer.
The Revivalist gospel singer died in early May after being diagnosed with cancer in February. Following his passing, Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed condolences, describing him as “a true original” whose voice and spirit would not be forgotten.
Holness praised Kukudoo’s humility, warmth and distinctive musical style, noting that his performances of traditional gospel songs became part of cherished memories for many Jamaicans.
“Gentle in presence, but powerful in voice, Kukudoo carried himself with grace, kindness and authenticity, touching lives not only through music, but through the way he treated people,” the prime minister said.
Born David McDermott, Kukudoo began singing at nine-night gatherings, also known locally as “dead yards,” before gaining national recognition for his unique blend of gospel, Revival traditions and Jamaican musical influences.
His breakthrough came after a church band engineer recorded one of his performances at a nine-night event and produced it on a CD. The recording eventually circulated widely, with songs such as “King David,” “See People Business” and “Leave It Alone” becoming popular among taxi operators and music lovers across Jamaica.
A former machine operator at the now-defunct Bernard Lodge Sugar Estate, Kukudoo later turned music into a full-time career, performing regularly in Jamaica and overseas.
He became a fixture at major cultural events, including the annual Jamaica Independence Gala, where his energetic performances and mento-influenced gospel songs earned him a loyal following.
The upcoming tribute events will celebrate an artist whose voice, faith and cultural contributions left a lasting imprint on Jamaica’s gospel and entertainment landscape.
