Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, the Jamaican drummer known for his pivotal role in the reggae duo Sly & Robbie, has passed away at the age of 73.
His wife, Thelma, shared the news with a Jamaican newspaper, stating that she found him unresponsive when she tried to wake him around 7 a.m. “I called the doctor, and then it was on the news,” she noted, but she didn’t disclose how he died.
Thelma reflected on the day before his passing, saying, “Yesterday was such a good day for him. He spent time with friends and ate well—there are times when he didn’t show much interest in food. I knew he was unwell… but I didn’t realize he was this unwell.”
His daughter, Natasha, confirmed to another outlet that he died at his home in Kingston, but, like Thelma, she didn’t provide details about the cause.
His family released a statement, praising his influence on reggae, saying, “Sly helped shape the sound of reggae and Jamaican music. His talent and contributions will never be forgotten. We are deeply grateful for the love and support we have received during this difficult time.”
Dunbar’s music career began at just 15 when he joined a band called Yard Blooms. In 1972, he teamed up with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, forming the iconic duo that would rise to fame. They produced hits for reggae legends like Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, gaining significant recognition with the Mighty Diamonds’ album “Right Time” in 1976.
Over the years, Sly & Robbie worked with a variety of international artists including Madonna, Mick Jagger, and No Doubt. They also released multiple albums, such as “Language Barrier” (1985) and “Rhythm Doubles” (2006), which was nominated for a Grammy.
The duo earned a total of 13 Grammy nominations, winning twice—once in 1998 for “Friends” and again in 1984 for “Anthem.” They remained active until Shakespeare passed away in 2021.
Dunbar expressed admiration for Shakespeare’s musicality in the past, highlighting his partner’s intricate playing style. “It was all about the body of the bass and the way it flowed to the drums,” he explained, praising the complexity of their collaborative performances.
