Remembering Ibo Cooper

The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) is set to host a special tribute concert, 'Reggae Wednesdays,' on October 25 at Jamaica College. This event aims to celebrate the immense contributions of Michael 'Ibo' Cooper to the realms of music and education.

In an Instagram post, JaRIA encourages everyone to participate in this remarkable homage to a visionary soul, promising mesmerizing tributes from both international and local artists. Fans are urged to secure their free tickets by clicking the provided link in JaRIA's bio.

The event, taking place at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College, commences at 6 p.m. and features tribute performances by esteemed artists such as Third World, Inner Circle, Big Youth, Warrior King, Tony Rebel, Nadine Sutherland, Kumar Fyah, Ras-I, Levy’s Heritage, Edna Manley College Band, and many others.

Kingsley Michael 'Ibo' Cooper, a celebrated musician and educator, passed away on October 12 after a brief illness. He was a member of the pop band Inner Circle and a founding member of the reggae band Third World, originally established in 1973 by keyboardist Cooper and guitarist/cellist Steven 'Cat' Coore.

JaRIA pays homage to Cooper by acknowledging him as a true #ReggaeAmbassador, highlighting his role in elevating the name of #ThirdWorld globally and demonstrating the complexity and intricacy of Jamaican music, akin to the works of Bach and Mozart. As a lecturer at the Edna Manley College, he excelled as a scholar of Jamaican music, history, and philosophy, merging all three into a harmonious embodiment of a life dedicated to leaving a legacy of love. Cooper now joins his beloved wife, Joy, who passed away two weeks earlier, and JaRIA bids him farewell as he joins a constellation of musical stars, singing #sattamassagana in that #dreamland.