Fly high, Peetah - Tributes pour in for Morgan Heritage lead singer

Sean 'Contractor' Edwards, publicist and music marketer of Morgan Heritage, says he is happy the reggae group got their recognition at the time they did.

Edwards made the comment yesterday after the Grammy-winning family band revealed the shocking news that its leader singer, Peter 'Peetah' Morgan, had died.

Morgan Heritage won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2016 for Strictly Roots. The group was also conferred with the Jamaica Reggae Icon Award during Jamaica's Independence Day ceremony at the National Stadium in St Andrew last year. The group was honoured by the Government for outstanding contribution to the evolution and growth of Jamaican music and its worldwide popularity.

"I'm glad he received it when he was alive as well as his Grammy award while living," Contractor said of Peetah Morgan.

The 47-year-old is the son of renowned Jamaican reggae artiste, the late Denroy Morgan. He and his siblings, Una Morgan, Roy 'Gramps' Morgan, Nakhamyah 'Lukes Morgan, and Memmalatel 'Mr Mojo' Morgan formed Morgan Heritage in 1994.

Following the receipt of the Jamaica Reggae Icon Award, Peetah used his Instagram account to express thanks for the nation and hailed his late father for paving the way.

"Is ah unforgettable vibez and energy. We'll never forget the teachings, papa. Jah seed has been planted in I n I. He's our root, the source of our life. We are the branches, the leaves that have life. Out of many, one people! To say we're grateful to @andrewholnessjm [Prime Minister Andrew Holness] @hon.oliviagrange [Culture Minister Olivia Grange] and the entire Government of Jamaica is an understatement. As icons we will carry on this legacy and continue to make the nation proud," the singer wrote.

On Sunday, Morgan Heritage asked for "continued prayers" and privacy as the family seeks to deal with the sudden loss.

"Jah come and save us from ourselves because love is the only way," Morgan Heritage said in the statement.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding led the tributes to the talented vocalist yesterday.

"My heart is heavy to learn of the passing of Peetah Morgan of the world renowned Morgan Heritage. I send deep condolences to the Morgan family as they grieve this tremendous loss, which is also a colossal loss for Jamaica and for Reggae music," Holness wrote on his social media pages.

The opposition leader said Peetah and his siblings "formed a powerhouse musical that resonated globally".

"Our heartfelt sympathies extend to Peetah's family, friends, fans and the entire musical fraternity. His legacy and contributions to Reggae music will forever echo in our hearts," Golding said.

Reggae artiste Lady G told THE STAR that she was in disbelief after hearing the news and immediately reached out to Peetah's brother, Gramps, to offer words of comfort.

"Mi cyaah believe it," she said, adding, "Right now just talking about it and mi start get emotional".

Dancehall artiste Mr Lexx hailed Morgan Heritage for being cordial and big-hearted. He recalled an occasion when their confusion backstage about which entertainer should be allowed to take the stage.

"Me was pretty much the hottest artiste around, I don't remember which show we did a do, but I think it was a confusion between fi dem time to perform and my time. I don't know what happened but both camps scuffled over it and dem seh you know what, let the artiste gwaan go work before we," Mr. Lexx shared.

Writing on Instagram, Ziggy Marley said he was "Really saddened to hear the news today family Peetah move on from this sphere".

"Our community will miss him bad bad bad," Ziggy said.

Bounty Killer wrote: "Jah jah know bro no words can explain @grampsmorgan @morganheritage and the whole Morgan Family my deepest condolences."

Similarly Buju Banton posted an heartfelt message: "I am going to miss you Peter and I will comfort myself with this thought. You cannot come to us but we must come to where you are. Until then Peter, I love you. The brother I never had."