Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced that a Celebration of Life in honour of the late reggae singer Ernie Smith will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Described by Minister Grange as “an evening of music, memories and celebration,” the event will take place at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Smith, widely regarded as one of Jamaica’s most influential musical talents, passed away last month in the United States after a period of illness. Throughout his distinguished career, he made a lasting impact on reggae and its subgenres with a catalog of timeless recordings. Among his best-known songs are Life Is Just For Living, Duppy Gunman, Pitta Patta, and I For Jesus.

The event is expected to bring together family, friends, fellow entertainers, and fans to honour the life and legacy of the iconic reggae singer.