Grange Mourns Iconoclastic Prince Buster

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has issued the following statement on the passing of Jamaican ska legend Prince Buster.

Minister’s statement follows:

“It is with regret that I learn of the passing of the iconoclastic Prince Buster — a true stalwart in the development of Jamaican popular music.

“Those such as myself, coming of age in the period when Prince Buster first emerged on the scene had the opportunity to follow his career and the growth of Jamaican Popular music through his innovative productions.

“Utilising Jamaican ritual sounds, Prince Buster effectively infused elements of revivalism, such as hand clapping and African-inspired Nyabinghi drumming into his music.

“Prince Buster went to Wareika Hill and produced Rastafarian leader and master drummer Count Ossie, leading his drummers and accompanying the Folks Brothers to create that evergreen favourite ‘Oh Carolina’, a song which effectively introduced Rasatafari music to the Jamaican public and to the world.

“As an entrepreneur, he set himself up not only as a producer but also as sound system operator, singer, promoter and distributor; paving the way for others in establishing a bonafide Jamaica Music Industry.

“Like his lyrics says — “They pick him up/They Lick him Down/ Him bounce right back/ What a hard man fi dead” — the memory of Prince Buster and his legacy through his vast and diverse catalogue, will never die.

“On behalf of all Jamaicans and Prince Buster’s international fans, I extend deepest condolences to his widow and children.”

Prince Buster, whose real name was Cecil Bustamante Campbell, passed away on September 08, 2016 in Miami, Florida.  He was 78.

Among his many recorded hits were ‘Hard Man fi Dead’, ‘Wash Wash’, ‘Black Head Chiney Man’ and ‘They Got to Go’.