'Well done' - Iyanla Vanzant hails Denroy Morgan

Renowned life coach, Iyanla Vanzant, is among those hailing the rich legacy of late veteran singer, Denroy Morgan.  

In a video tribute at a celebratory event for his life held at the National Indoors Sports Centre in Kingston today, Vanzant, referring to the reggae pioneer as Bishop Morgan, said he “has left us a powerful legacy; a legacy of culture, a legacy of creative genius and mastery, a legacy of family love and a legacy of service to the creator, working with his children, working for and within his community…he has left us all something beautify and powerful”. 

The motivational speaker commended him for being the first Jamaican artiste signed to a major record label and playing a pivotal role in the success of his offspring group, Morgan Heritage. 

“He also ushered his children, the group, Morgan Heritage, on to the world stage and lived long enough to see them nominated for two Grammys and being awarded one, and his final musical contribution to the world, titled Divine Destiny, leaves us not only with the sound of his voice, but the presence of his wisdom. Well done bishop… Rest in peace.” 

Among those also paying tribute to the trailblazer were former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, Joe Bogdanovich, and Senator Damian Crawford who hailed the elder statesman for paving the way for people like him to bear the image of Rastafari in parliament. 

At the ceremony’s opening prayer, son Roy ‘Gramps’ Morgan let out a roaring “Jah!” which attracted an echoing “Rastafari”.  

The musician, royally-clad in white and gold like the entire Morgan family, prayed that “each and every lesson that our father has taught us, that we continue to spread it to the world.”

He hailed his mother, Hyacynth, the wife of the late reggae pioneer who had been with him since she was 16. As he closed, he advised his family that the journey has just begun, and urged them to instill the principles of Ras Denroy Morgan, calling it “a livity that has become a ministry”. 

The I’ll Do Anything For You hitmaker was showered in musical tributes from several acts including the Nyahbinghi Drummers, Dean Fraser, Sheldon Palmer, Bushman and Bongo Herman.  

Morgan passed away on March 3. He was 76.  

Sade Gardner/Staff Reporter sade.gardner@gleanerjm.com

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on Twitter @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.