Tributes have been pouring out online after it was announced earlier today that Jamaican reggae and dub legend Jah Shaka AKA Zulu Warrior has died.
Jah Shaka moved to South East London in 1956 after being born in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, and made his way as a pioneer in the dub and reggae industries becoming an inspiration for those who came after.
One of the city's best loved sound systems, he combined the Rastifarian term for 'God' with the legendary Zulu leader to become Jah Shaka, persevering through the racism and discrimination faced by the Windrush generation.
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The news of his death was shared by dubstep group Horsepower Productions' Benny Ill on Twitter earlier this afternoon. He said simply "Rest In Power Jah Shaka", including a picture of Shaka in his element DJing.
His cause of death has not been shared publicly, but soon after the news broke fans and fellow artists alike began posting their tributes to the sound system legend.
Dubstep producer the Bug wrote: “So sad to read Jah Shaka has departed this planet … Rest in peace. A heroic figure who kept Dub alive, when few cared … I spent many all nighters being transfixed by his passion and selections.”
Journalist Nadine White shared a quote from the late artist while adding: "'The sound system was formed as a vehicle to bring a message of peace. To bring people together.'
"Jah Shaka, legendary reggae sound system pioneer, has died. A musical giant who was beloved far & wide; a pillar within our Black communities and a real messenger. Sad news"
Another fan said: "RIP, Jah Shaka, Zulu Warrior, & king of Jamaican reggae & dub sound systems who died today. His roots reggae sound livened up many parties & events across the UK, from the 1970s."
Though starting out as a sound system operator in Jamaica, by the 1970s in London Jah Shaka was running his own Jah Shaka Sound System, producing reggae tracks, and even running his eponymous record label Jah Shaka Music.
By 1980 he was in film as well after starring as himself in Babylon which depicted the racial hostility he and other migrants faced after moving to the UK.
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