JAMAICA | Jamaica Mourns the passing of famed Third World Musician Michael "Ibo" Cooper

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, October 12, 2023 - One of Jamaica’s  finest and most iconic musicians Michael "Ibo" Cooper, died at his home on Thursday evening, was ailing for some time.

 Ibo's death came shortly after the passing of his wife Althea Joy Atkinson Cooper last month, and his son, music producer and disc jock Arif Cooper, in March this year.

He was  a founding member of  Jamaica’s famous Third World, the band co-founded with guitarist Steven "Cat" Coore in 1973. 

A brilliant keyboard player, songwriter and vocalist, Cooper was a member of Inner Circle band before co-founding Third World. 

After 25 years of touring and performing, in the late 1990s the musician became a full-time teacher as the head of the Caribbean, Latin American and jazz department at the  Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston.

The Jamaica Observer’s Executive Editor Vernon Davidson quotes veteran broadcaster and communications consultant Fae Ellington as saying that  "He was there for 23 years and encouraged young people to form bands."

Ellington, who said that Cooper performed at this year's Calabash International Literary Festival in St Elizabeth, recalled the 'Explanitations' concert series featuring Third World at Little Theatre in St Andrew produced by Freddie Hickling.

"He was straddling the keyboard and the synthesizer, playing both... it was an amazing thing, those Third World performances," Ellington said.

"I thank him for his contribution to our music in particular, but in the last 10 or so years the way he tried to guide and mould young musicians through the Edna Manley College, in particular the School of Music,” said Fae as she lamented Ibo’s passing. 

 In paying tribute to the Iconic keyboard player, prime minister Andrew Holness  said “I am deeply saddened at the news that one of Jamaica's most talented and prolific musicians and founder of one of Jamaica's finest reggae bands, Michael 'Ibo' Cooper, has passed,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“Most Jamaicans were exposed to his prowess on the keyboards and his energetic performances with the Grammy nominated band Third World. He also played for the group Inner Circle. Ibo was a true cultural ambassador, taking reggae music and brand Jamaica to the farthest corners of the world.”

Holness continued, “His music of love, upliftment and peace reflected the essence of reggae music. Indeed, he was part of the era which represented the epitome of true reggae music of love, unity and peace.”

The People’s National Party, in its tribute  said the party “joins the Cooper family and the music fraternity in mourning the passing of …a distinguished musical icon who dedicated his life to the arts and Jamaica’s cultural enrichment. Mr. Cooper's valiant battle with cancer came to an end on Thursday, 12th October 2023.

 “Ibo Cooper was a multifaceted artist, musician, and cultural advocate. He was not only a celebrated figure within the realms of music but also an integral part of the nation's cultural landscape. His contributions to the arts, particularly in preserving and promoting Jamaican cultural heritage, have left an indelible mark,” the PNP statement said

 President of the PNP, Mr Mark Golding, expressed “Ibo was also a man of ideas with a passion for national development. He recognized the central role of music as a force for positive change and was always looking for ways to advance the entertainment industry. 

 “His public service through his outstanding work at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts has elevated scores of young musicians and performers to greater levels of professionalism and a deeper appreciation of their influential role in society. He will be sadly missed, but his immense contribution will live on for the benefit of present and future generations.”