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The reggae community has been plunged into sadness following the passing of music icon Daddy U-Roy.

Daddy U-Roy, 78, passed away on Wednesday (February 17) following a surgery at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

Born Ewart Beckford in Jones Town, St Andrew, Daddy U-Roy is credited with popularising a style of  toasting (flowing to an instrumental riddim) which influenced dancehall’s sound system culture and early hip hop. 

Following confirmation of his death by British label Trojan Records, several musicians in the reggae and dancehall community took to social media to share tributes for the artiste, with many lauding his contribution to the musical genre.

Shaggy

Heavyweight dancehall entertainer Shaggy called U-Roy a ” hero” noting that he was a pioneer in the industry.

“Today we lost one of our hero’s !! A true legend in this game of dancehall/ reggae if you’re a fan of sound system, then you’re a fan of Stur Gav sound,” said Shaggy on Instagram.

“With such greats as Colonel Josey Wales and Charlie Chaplin, pioneers in this game … with a catalog of amazing recordings U Roy was a master at his craft. Rest Well daddy Roy!! R.I.P. walk good.”

🏾#theoriginator, ” added the entertainer.

Buju Banton

Veteran entertainer Buju Banton hailed U-Roy as a “legend”.

“The man, the legend. Rest well Daddy U-Roy,” tweeted Banton.

Spice

Self-proclaimed queen of the dancehall, Spice, also agreed that U-Roy was a “true legend”, going on to share that she was “fortunate enough” to have met the iconic musician.

“We just lost a true legend in dancehall 

🏾 One that I was fortunate enough to meet. Daddy U-Roy Wake the town and tell the people,” said Spice on Instagram

“#theoriginator My condolences #RIP 

Macka Diamond

Dancehall artiste Macka Diamond paid homage to the artiste, also making reference to him as a legend.

“Sip #daddyuroy 

 #legend,”said Diamond in an early morning Instagram post.

Spragga Benz

Dancehall deejay Spragga Benz called U-Roy the “father of all deejays” in his tribute to the musical legend.

“Farewell to the Father of ALL Dj’s @daddyuroy U-Roy,” said Spragga Benz on his Instagram.

Daddy U-Roy began his career as a deejay in 1961, working for  Dickie Wong’s sound system and later moving to the Sir Coxsone Dodd’s sound system, where he ran the number two set while King Stitt ‘The Ugly One’ ran the main set.

His toasting style rose to prominence in 1970 with his Wake the Town and Wear You to the Ball hits that established his reputation as one of Jamaica’s most popular toasters.

Daddy U-Roy, who was popularly known by other names throughout his decades long career, names which included ‘The Originator’ and ‘Hugh Roy’ received membership in the Order of Distinction for his contribution to Jamaican music in 2007.