What's happened
Sly Dunbar, renowned Jamaican drummer and part of the influential duo Sly & Robbie, has died at age 73. He played on numerous reggae classics and collaborated with major international artists. His wife Thelma confirmed his death, which occurred at his home in Kingston, Jamaica, on January 26, 2026.
What's behind the headline?
Sly Dunbar's death marks the loss of a pivotal figure in reggae music whose rhythmic innovation defined the genre's evolution. His partnership with Robbie Shakespeare created a rhythmic foundation that became a blueprint for reggae and influenced global music production. The duo's work with major artists expanded reggae's reach beyond Jamaica, embedding it into mainstream music. Dunbar's legacy will likely inspire future generations of musicians, and his passing underscores the importance of Jamaican music's global influence. The timing of his death, shortly after Shakespeare's in 2021, highlights the end of an era for reggae's most influential rhythm section.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights Dunbar's extensive influence and collaborations, emphasizing his role in shaping modern reggae and dancehall. AP News provides details on his death, confirming his age and the circumstances at his Kingston home, while also noting his career milestones and Grammy achievements. The NY Post offers insights into his early life, career beginnings, and his partnership with Robbie Shakespeare, illustrating his importance in both Jamaican and international music scenes. Contrasting perspectives focus on his musical legacy versus the personal loss felt by his family and fans, illustrating the broad impact of his work across different audiences.
How we got here
Sly Dunbar began his music career at age 15 and formed the iconic duo Sly & Robbie with bassist Robbie Shakespeare in 1972. They played on key reggae hits and worked with international artists like Madonna, Mick Jagger, and the Rolling Stones. Their influence helped shape modern reggae and dancehall music, earning multiple Grammy nominations and wins. Dunbar's contributions extended to founding Taxi Records and producing numerous acclaimed albums.
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