Jamaican music has lost one of its most influential architects with the passing of Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, who died on January 26, 2026, at the age of 73. Widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in reggae history, Sly Dunbar helped shape the sound of Jamaican music for more than five decades.

Born in Kingston, Sly rose to prominence in the early 1970s and went on to form the legendary rhythm duo Sly & Robbie with bassist Robbie Shakespeare. Together, they became one of the most prolific and innovative partnerships in global music, defining the rockers rhythm and pushing reggae, dub, and dancehall into new creative territory through their Taxi Records label.

Sly Dunbar’s influence reached far beyond Jamaica. His unmistakable drum patterns powered recordings by artists such as Black Uhuru, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Grace Jones, Bob Dylan, and countless others, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and international acclaim. Even in pop and contemporary music, his rhythms continued to resonate with new generations of listeners.

With Sly Dunbar’s passing, the world remembers a pioneer whose work carried Jamaican sound to every corner of the globe. His legacy lives on in the rhythms that continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike.