Reggae loses another pioneer! Farewell to the giant 'Daddy' U-Roy!

As they age, a number of Reggae legends have made their way to Zion in recent years. This Thursday we say goodbye to another great one: U-Roy, responsible for making the "toaster" style known worldwide, and considered one of the fathers of Rap and Hip-Hop. The 78-year-old artist was undergoing treatment at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in Jamaica and died following surgery to stop bleeding in his kidneys. He also treated hypertension and diabetes, but they were under control. U-Roy was not the first toaster (a style in which one rhymes over original recordings of other songs) from Jamaica. However, he earned the nickname "The Originator", for being the pioneer to record an album of this style. His nickname, which became a stage name for 60 years of his career, was given by a child in his family who could not pronounce his name correctly: Ewart Beckford. U-Roy was born in 1942 into a musical family and started professionally in 1961. Since then he has performed at various Sound Systems, causing a real frenzy wherever he goes. The DUB versions later created by another legend, King Tubby, saw U-Roy expand his style with fast, melodic rhymes. Another unmistakable characteristic of U-Roy were his catchphrases. "Wake the town and tell the people" has become one of Jamaica's best-known expressions. The legendary Jamaican was known for his humility and for always looking impeccable in his concert costumes. In 2005, Toots & The Maytals' album "True Love" won a Grammy and featured U-Roy. He also received the "Order of Distinction", one of Jamaica's highest honors that honors its most notable citizens. U-Roy's contribution is immeasurable and his music will live on forever. Rest in peace, "Daddy" U-Roy.