Legendary reggae musician Robbie Shakespeare has died.

Shakespeare, the bass-playing half of the famous duo Sly & Robbie, passed away in the United States after ailing for some time from kidney-related issues. He was 68.

The news has come as a shock to members of the entertainment fraternity, not least among them Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports Olivia Grange, who for decades has been a major stakeholder in Jamaica’s entertainment industry.

“I am in shock and sorrow after just receiving the news that my friend and brother, the legendary bassist Robbie Shakespeare has died,” the minister said in a statement Wednesday (December 8).

“Robbie and Sly Dunbar as Sly and Robbie, have been among Jamaica’s greatest musicians. This fantastic team took bass playing and drumming to the highest level as they made music for themselves as a group, and for many other artistes locally and internationally.

“Robbie’s loss will be felt by the industry at home and abroad.  He will be sorely missed. I offer my deepest condolences to those he leaves behind.”

WORKED WITH MANY ROCK STARS

As a part of Sly and Robbie, Shakespeare worked with various reggae artistes including the legendary U-Roy, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott, Augustus Pablo, Yellowman and Black Uhuru.

He also worked with pop and rock artists such as Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Yoko Ono, Serge Gainsbourg and Grace Jones.

Shakespeare appeared in the 2011 documentary Reggae Got Soul: The Story of Toots and the Maytals which was featured on BBC. Both Robbie and Sly were also featured in the recording sessions of the album Hurricane by Grace Jones, in the documentary Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami“