The life and work of bass guitarist Robbie Shakespeare of ‘Riddim Twins’ Sly and Robbie speak for itself, and members of the Reggae community, left in a somber mood, are paying tribute to the icon for his exceptional contributions.
The 68-year-old Robbie, born Robert Warren Dale Shakespeare, died on Wednesday, December 8, after ailing from kidney-related complications for some time. He passed away in Florida, where he had been living for a few years.
Now, the reggae industry is grappling with the idea that the late Grammy award-winning guitarist is no more, with only memories and records of the magic he created with his fingers to go by.
Shaggy, who worked closely with Robbie, was one of many plunged into dejection on Wednesday, with a black picture posted to his Instagram to reflect his state of mind.
He captioned, “R.I.P. not a good day!”
In a follow-up on Thursday, the international Reggae star posted a series of pictures and videos of the guitarist, whom he had the privilege of working with in the production of some of his greatest hits.
“Thank you my brother for the wonderful memories!” he wrote “You have made me a better person and a better artitst, rest well!!! You will be in my heart forever!!”
Other artistes who may have not worked with the legend personally, expressed sincere gratitude for the work he left behind. “Thank you Robby Shakespeare” Baby Cham shared on his social media; “Your iconic style u brought 2 our music will live on 4 eva,” Sean Paul added.
Taurus Riley labeled Robbie “The GREATEST of All time” who “shared his gift to millions of ears worldwide.”
It was already established that the Sly and Robbie duo was one of the most prolific and dexterous combinations of the1970’s and ’80s, one that was necessary for the growth and evolution of Jamaica’s Reggae Music on the international scene.
Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, in her tribute, said “Robbie and Sly Dunbar, the drummer, 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 severely felt by the industry at home and abroad. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to those he leaves behind. Love you, Robbie.”
Robert Shakespeare and Sly Dunbar, are credited with revolutionizing the sound of reggae and dancehall music, working with some of the biggest and brightest names in pop, including, Grace Jones, Joe Cocker, and Gwen Guthrie.
The duo was also the driving force behind the Reggae group ‘Black Uhuru,’ and the introduction of novel sounds called “Rocker” and “Rub a Dub.”
Under their “Taxi Label,” artists such as Elephant Man, Buju Banton, and Cherine Anderson benefitted from top-notch productions. But Sly and Robbie’s contributions have reached far beyond the careers of specific artists and are entrenched in the Reggae industry as a whole.
