KINGSTON, Jamaica – Ibo Cooper, the Afrocentric musician who co-founded Third World in 1973, died right here October 12 at age 71.
The keyboardist handed away two weeks after Pleasure, his spouse of over 50 years, died. Their son Arif died in March.
Michael “Ibo” Cooper
In an announcement, his three surviving kids hailed their father’s parental steerage and musical expertise.
“Ibo’s contribution to music and tradition was immeasurable. His kids bear in mind him as a outstanding human being with a magnanimous spirit and lightweight,” stated the household.
Tribute from PM, Hon. Andrew Holness
Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness additionally hailed Cooper, who began his profession within the late Sixties with the Internal Circle band.
“I’m deeply saddened on the information that one in all Jamaica’s most gifted and prolific musicians and founding father of one in all Jamaica’s most interesting reggae bands, Michael “Ibo” Cooper, has handed. Most Jamaicans have been uncovered to his prowess on the keyboards and his energetic performances with the Grammy-nominated band Third World. He additionally performed for the group Internal Circle. Ibo was a real cultural ambassador, taking reggae music and model Jamaica to the farthest corners of the world,” stated Holness in an announcement.
Acknowledgement from Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange
Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s minister of Tradition, Gender, Leisure and Sport, additionally lauded Cooper, saying: “I’m saddened to study of the passing of one in all Jamaica’s iconic musicians, Michael “Ibo” Cooper, former member of the Internal Circle Band and founding member of the Third World Band. I want to categorical my condolences to his kids Arianne, Akiri and Abean and to the native and worldwide musical fraternity. Ibo was a robust and fixed voice for the music trade and an exemplary music trainer. Generations of Jamaican musicians have been formed by him, and our trade is healthier for having had him. I additionally benefitted from his recommendation as a member of the Leisure Advisory Board (EAB). Could his soul relaxation in perpetual peace.”
Cooper is the third member of Third World’s traditional lineup to die. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Bunny Rugs died in 2014, adopted 4 years later by percussionist Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett.
Guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore, one other former member of Internal Circle, based Third World with Cooper 50 years in the past. Bassist Richie Daley and drummer Willie Stewart have been additionally a part of the lineup that recorded songs comparable to Now That we Discovered Love, Reggae Ambassador, Strive Jah Love and 96 Levels in The Shade.
Cooper and Stewart left the band in 1997. Cooper turned a senior lecturer on the Edna Manley Faculty of the Visible and Performing Arts in Kingston.
He was awarded the Order of Distinction, Jamaica’s sixth-highest honor, in 2005.
