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The music fraternity was plunged into mourning this week following news of the deaths of music producer and audio engineer Sheldon Rae Stewart, better known as Calibud, and Ritchie Ruben, a key member of legendary reggae and dancehall singer Buju Banton’s entourage.
Damali Robertson, the mother of Calibud’s son, confirmed to The Gleaner that the 47-year-old CEO of the Cali Bud label passed away after a brief illness.
“It was unexpected to everyone,” Robertson told The Gleaner. “He was in New York being treated after a recent diagnosis ... it was an unexpected cancer diagnosis. Everything happened so fast. We are still absorbing it.”
Calibud, who was the stepson of the late legendary producer Bobby Digital, learned a lot from his step-father, and was associated with his Grammy Award-winning productions. However, he skilfully carved out his own space musically and worked with artistes including Beenie Man, Warrior King, QQ, Sanchez and Sizzla.
In an interview with THE STAR in 2017, Calibud spoke about what he would like to see happening in the music.
“We want our reggae music to sound like back in the days, which is a warm sound. So instead of using the digital technology to fabricate electronic versions, I prefer to record live and patch it back into the system. I have always tried to create things different but more significantly the creation of new music is a passion and while I can go to almost any seasoned dancehall or reggae recording artiste I rather to generate music that will be a part of my history,” Calibud said. “It has been tremendous to watch young artistes like QQ transition into [a] more mature sound; it is like planting a tree, watching it grow and looking back as it starts bearing fruits.”
His family is also saddened at the fact that Calibud’s daughter, who is not yet two years-old, is too young to have any lasting memories of her father.
ALARMED
Persons in the music industry are alarmed at how quickly things unravelled for Calibud and Ritchie Ruben and also the fact that both died from cancer shortly after being diagnosed.
Four days ago, Buju posted a picture of Ritchie Ruben, along with a tribute: “Jah Jah God keep him in thy presence; S.I.P. Ritchie Ruben. This hits different.”
Ritchie Ruben, whose real name is Richard Alexander, was one of the longest serving members of Buju’s band and was known and respected by many persons in the music industry.
In no time, the comments section filled up with artistes and other music industry personalities paying their respect. Gramps Morgan, Anthony B, Delly Ranx, Jazzwad, Ras Shiloh Music, Bulby York, Danny Pepperseed, Razor B, Tony Matterhorn, Tarrus Riley, Sasha Lawla and DJ Roy, all expressed their shock and sadness.
“Omg ... I seriously cannot believe this life. This one hit hard!!!! Ruben is gone... I have no words. Mark (Buju) I can’t imagine how you are feeling ... like this is just too much. Life ...you are here today gone tomorrow. Jah Jah. Condolences ... SIP Ben!” Sasha Lawla said.
DJ Roy Irie Jam “Me just see this. Wow, dis mash me up. Sleep well bro,” DJ Roy posted.
“Jah Jah, S.I.P. Uncle Ruben. My condolences @bujubanton, Seth and the family,” Danny Pepperseed said,
“I saw Ritchie Ruben at an event in January and him never look sick! Me and him talk ... a short reasoning ... and we went our ways. I would never have believed that, that would be the last time I would see him ... talk to him,” Samory I’s manager and CEO of Firstborn Management Bridgett Anderson told The Gleaner.
In paying tribute, Instagram user @Iampanthony quoted lyrics from Buju Banton’s Til Shiloh: “ Strangest feelin’ I’m feelin’/But Jah love, we will always believe in/Though you may think my faith is in vain/’Til Shiloh, we’ll chant Rastafari’s name.”
English (US) ·