Reports are coming in that Prince Buster has died.
The news broke via David Rodiga, who posted a short statement on social media – it reads:
"It is with great sadness that I have just learned of the death of Jamaica's music icon and pioneer, Prince Buster. A true music legend. Prince Buster's death has been confirmed by Mr. Desmond Young, President of The Jamaica Federation of Musicians. Deepest condolences go out to Prince Buster's wife Mola Ali, his children and family members and manager Delroy Williams."
Tributes are pouring in, such as this salute from The Specials' Neville Staple:
Rest in peace Prince Buster. & tanks fe the inspiration. With love from @NevilleStaple & @SugaryStaple https://t.co/dJHsPmkOu9
— Neville Staple (@NevilleStaple) September 8, 2016
Born to a working class family in Kingston, Jamaica in 1938, Prince Buster grew up around the nascent soundsystem culture of late 50s Jamaica. In love with American R&B and jazz, he gained the backing to form his own system named Voice Of The People, which promptly took dances by storm.
Electing to record his own material, Prince Buster helped spur the ska revolution, notching up hit after hit. Becoming an icon to the Mod movement in the UK, Buster became a chart smash with singles such as 'Al Capone' – later covered by The Specials – and 'Madness', which gave the group its name.
Later helping spark the soulful sounds of rocksteady, Prince Buster returned to his ska roots in the aftermath of its global revival in the early 80s. From his cameo role in 'The Harder They Come' to those seminal 60s cuts, Prince Buster was a defining figure in the evolution of Jamaican music – he shall be missed.
