Holness joins the world in mourning the loss of global icon, Harry Belafonte
/ Our Today
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Prime Minister Andrew Holness has joined the global community in mourning the loss of American singer, actor and activist, Harry Belafonte.
Reflecting on Belafonte’s life, Holness hailed the global icon as ‘an activist for change’ and committed to serving and improving humankind.
” At 96, Harry Belafonte’s impact continues across the world. Indeed, he lived a full, impactful and meaningful life and will live on in our memories and in our memories and in our hearts. On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the Hon. Harry Belafonte, OM. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual, shine upon him,” the Prime Minister said in a statement on Tuesday (April 25).
The activist passed away today (April 25) at his New York home after suffering from congestive heart failure.
Belafonte was born in Harlem, New York, to a Jamaican mother and his Jamaican heritage was a source of great pride and inspiration to him throughout his life.
As a singer and songwriter, Belafonte brought the music and culture of the Caribbean to the world. His songs Day-O (The Banana Boat Song), Jamaica Farewell, and Island in the Sun captured the spirit of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean and became beloved classics that continue to be enjoyed by people around the world today.
Belafonte was awarded the Order of Merit in 2018, for his contribution to the field of music.
” Harry Belafone’s successful music career resulted from his pioneering work in helping to popularize Jamaican mento music in the late 1950s and Calypso music in the 1960s. One of his recordings and greatest hits, The Banana Boat song with the Day-O lyrics earned him wide acclaim. Throughout his career, he won three Grammy Awards including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an Emmy Award and aTony Award,” Holness said.
READ: Harry Belafonte, who mixed music, acting, and activism, dies at 96
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