Dub and reggae legend Jah Shaka has died. After tributes began appearing on social media, his family confirmed the news on Wednesday. No cause of death was given, and his precise age is not known.
Born in Jamaica, Jah Shaka immigrated to the UK in the late ’50s, and rose up through the underground soundsystem culture in the early ’70s. Also known as the Zulu Warrior, Jah Shaka developed a sizeable cult following by the end of the decade and his pioneering sound had a big impact on post-punk groups like The Slits and PiL.
“It’s a sad day today, as we say farewell to my friend Knocky, the Zulu warrior, Jah Shaka,” wrote Mad Professor, while Portishead‘s Geoff Barrow wrote, “No cassette could hold his weight.” Dubstep producer The Bug wrote, “A heroic figure who kept Dub alive, when few cared.”
Rest easy, Jah Shaka.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlsFJnx_Ino
RIP Jah Shaka
No Cassette could hold his weight. pic.twitter.com/KSYPLye3jL— 🏴☠️ Geoff Barrow 🏴☠️ (@jetfury) April 12, 2023
It’s a sad day today, as we say farewell to my friend Knocky, the Zulu warrior, Jah Shaka. Shaka played a huge part in the establishing of AriwA
In the very early days he would book the studio weekly, and shared building in Peckham, with Jah Shaka Music operating from the HQ pic.twitter.com/b7GOQRYV1A— Mad Professor (@MadProfessordub) April 12, 2023
https://twitter.com/trevorjofficial/status/1646122920350023683
The mighty Jah Shaka.
An Icon who’s playing style & music touched & inspired so many of us.
What inspired me the most was his uncompromising stance, he stood firm continual with his message.
A unique beacon of light 💫
We salute you King 👑
Rest in Power 🤍 🕊 🕯 pic.twitter.com/gPNP1nJZvg
— mala_dmz (@mala_dmz) April 12, 2023
R.I.P. to Jah Shaka, the Zulu Warrior: a truly inspiring and influential artist as well as activist and humanitarian. You will be missed, but your legacy lives on.
📸 by @ErikLuyten: Jah Shaka at LGW19, curated by The @thebugzoo pic.twitter.com/TOcvsxT6bU
— Le Guess Who? (@LeGuessWho) April 13, 2023
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..https://t.co/Y8LwzN4Lhq
🔊🔥♥️🔥— The Bug(official) (@thebugzoo) April 12, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AAv1QCyuWU