‘I am in the presence of greatness,’ PM Holness tells Sly at Robbie Shakespeare’s viewing | Entertainment

Primary Minister Andrew Holness, Minister of Lifestyle Olivia Grange, spouse and children customers, songs market gamers and effectively-wishers all turned out on Sunday to see the human body of internationally renowned bass participant Robbie Shakespeare at the Nationwide Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston and indication the condolence e-book.

With cameras flashing from the moment they entered, the governing administration officers produced their way to the golden casket to perspective Shakespeare’s system, then produced a prevent to talk with Sly Dunbar, the remaining fifty percent of the iconic Riddim Twins, Sly and Robbie.

“Listen, I am in the presence of greatness,” Key Minister Andrew Holness declared as the famous Sly Dunbar stood to consider photos with him. “Good to finally meet up with you in particular person,” he extra, as he chatted a little bit with the Grammy Award-successful drummer and producer.

With some of the thousands of songs on which Shakespeare performed booming in the track record, it was not tricky to aim on celebrating the life of this musical genius. From Beenie Guy providing ‘shout-outs’ to the Riddim Twins in Foundation – A Selassie I ship dem, well/’Cause songs a fi perform dem, yeah/Mr. Robbie him a bass dem, very well/Taxi Gang occur notify dem – to Maxi Priest’s Wild Entire world and Harmless Kru’s Not possible Educate, the atmosphere was festive, inspite of the COVID-19 protocols in position.

IN HONOUR

But there had been tears, much too. The more mature brother of Robbie Shakespeare cried overtly as he appeared at his sibling in the casket and signed the condolence book. Shakespeare’s widow, Marian, place on a brave experience, and so far too did fellow ‘Fortis’, producer Gussie Clarke, who confirmed up to honour Robbie wearing the tie of their shared alma mater, Kingston College. One particular Pop engineer Rorey Baker managed to continue to keep it with each other.

“Today, I can say farewell to a father, a pal, a colleague, a organization associate, a motivational speaker and a assistance counsellor. The lessons I have learnt by getting close to them is one thing that I will go on to my small children and grandchildren. I do not want to get far too psychological. Let’s just seh him do him perform and him absent depart we, and we happy ah what him still left we fi recognise and fi are living offa and to cherish,” Baker instructed The Gleaner.

Devonte of the group Tanto Metro and Devonte noted that “Robbie has performed a incredibly important function in the professions of most of us. He and Sly were being on our very first challenge, ideal up to our fifth album. He has played an intricate purpose on what we do as artistes and musicians, and it is just an honour to know him as a terrific particular person, and it is a privilege to be in this article right now.”

The thanksgiving company for the lifestyle of Robbie Shakespeare will be held currently at the Webster Memorial United Church in St Andrew. The services will not be open to the standard public having said that, it can be considered on social media and on PBCJ.

Minister Grange will do the remembrance and Sly Dunbar will direct a musical tribute, with arrangement by Dean Fraser. There will also be performances by Chevelle Franklyn and Pam Corridor.

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