‘Hail the King’: Family and musical fraternity celebrate life and legacy of Fantan Mojah
Loading article...
-
The funeral programme for late reggae artiste Fantan Mojah at the University Chapel at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona in St Andrew on August 13, 2026.
-
Mourners gathered at the funeral of reggae artiste Fantan Mojah. The service was held at the University Chapel at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona in St Andrew on August 13, 2026.
Late reggae entertainer Fantan Mojah was today remembered as a fighter and a man of principles who believed in unity, hope and upliftment.
His thanksgiving service is currently under way at the UWI Mona Chapel in St Andrew.
Fantan Mojah, whose given name was Owen Lennox Moncrieffe, was also remembered as a loving father and passionate entertainer who used his voice to spread a message of Rastafari, love, humanity and social justice.
The entertainer passed away on July 14 at age 49.
He died at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew after suffering complications related to his heart.
Today’s service began shortly after 11:00 a.m. with a powerful drumming tribute by the Binghistra movement, which lasted approximately 15 minutes.
Musicians also performed some of Fantan Mojah’s songs, including his popular “Hail the King”, as his body was moved to the front of the chapel.
Members of Jamaica’s music fraternity, including veteran reggae singer Marcia Griffiths and music producer Skatta Burrell of DownSound Entertainment, as well as members of the Rastafari community, are among those gathered to honour the late artiste.
There were a number of musical tributes and remembrances highlighting the spirit of the man.
Among those who paid tribute was Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, who described him as a globally recognised voice for Rastafari and conscious reggae.
Grange, who was absent but whose speech was delivered by the ministry’s Director of Entertainment, David Brown, praised Fantan Mojah’s contribution to Brand Jamaica through songs including “Hungry”, “Hail the King”, “Corruption” and “Rasta Got Soul”, noting his ability to carry the message of Rastafari to audiences around the world.
“We do not say goodbye to Fantan Mojah, we say, Hail the King!”
The service highlighted his early days performing on the Killamanjaro sound system before his embrace of the Bobo Shanti faith, which shaped his musical mission and identity.
A second service and funeral rites for Fantan Mojah are scheduled for this Saturday in Elderslie, St Elizabeth, where he will be laid to rest in the family plot.
Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.