Reggae Singer Fantan Mojah Dies at 49

Fantan Mojah, the acclaimed reggae singer known for his spiritually driven music and unwavering Rastafarian message, has died at the age of 49, just weeks before his 50th birthday.

The entertainer, whose real name was Owen Moncrieffe, reportedly passed away on Tuesday evening at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in Kingston after suffering complications linked to a heart condition.

According to a close associate, Mojah’s health declined rapidly in the days leading up to his death. Booking agent Vertex said the singer had appeared to be in good spirits after returning from the United States but soon became seriously ill.

“Since he came back from the United States, he was hearty, but over the past week he started to ‘tek down’ and he was admitted to the UHWI. Last night, he was vomiting blood, and that was it. He passed away,” Vertex said.

Before his passing, Fantan Mojah had reportedly been preparing for a performance at this year’s Reggae Jam Festival in Germany, with his Schengen visa recently approved for the trip.

The reggae star, who is believed to have fathered at least five children, had battled significant health challenges over the past few years. Friends said his condition worsened in recent days while he was staying in Portmore, leaving him unable to exert himself.

In July 2024, Mojah was hospitalized in Martinique after experiencing breathing difficulties and chest tightness. Reports at the time indicated that his heart was functioning at only about 15 percent capacity. Despite the serious diagnosis, he showed signs of recovery in early 2025, eventually returning to Europe for live performances.

Known for his powerful vocals and conscious reggae sound, Fantan Mojah built a loyal fan base through songs that blended Rastafarian beliefs, social commentary and messages of hope and resilience.

His journey to stardom was an unlikely one. Before entering the music industry, Mojah worked as a window washer, a job that ultimately led to a life changing encounter with DownSound Records founder Joe Bogdanovich.

Bogdanovich previously recalled meeting the young singer while he was cleaning windows.

“When I met him as a kid, he was a window washer. We got into a conversation that ended up with me recording him, and I made some really, really big records with him,” he said.

Before achieving success, Mojah competed in talent shows throughout his native St Elizabeth under the stage name Mad Killer. He later worked as a handyman for the Kilamanjaro sound system before making his recording debut in 1997 with When I Rise, produced by Tristan Palmer.

His breakthrough came in 2005 with the release of the Hail the King album on DownSound Records. During his time with the label, he also recorded the popular single Nuh Build Great Men. Although his relationship with DownSound later came to an end, he continued releasing music that resonated with reggae lovers around the world.

Among his most celebrated songs are Stronger and Rasta Got Soul, the latter becoming one of his signature tracks and a lasting tribute to Rastafarian spirituality, African heritage and cultural pride.

Further details surrounding Fantan Mojah’s death have not yet been released. His passing marks the loss of one of reggae’s most recognizable conscious voices, leaving behind a legacy that inspired fans both in Jamaica and internationally.