Reggae Sumfest Honours Voicemail’s O’Neil Edwards
Summerfest Productions, organizers of Reggae Sumfest have dedicated the Dancehall Night (Thursday, July 22) of this year’s Reggae Sumfest, to the memory of the late O’Neil Edwards, former member of dancehall group, Voicemail.
The energetic and colourful O’Neil passed away on Wednesday, May 26, two weeks after falling victim to a vicious assault by gunmen at his home. The Reggae Sumfest team felt it was a fitting tribute to a man whose music has played a key role in the maintenance of the flair, fun, and finesse of the dancehall culture.
According to Johnny Gourzong, Executive Director of Reggae Sumfest, “It is appropriate to honour a vibrant personality that was loved in the music business … The Voicemail group has brought the fun factor in the music, and O’Neil was a key element in this regard. He was loved and respected by fans, fellow artistes, promoters and just about everybody in the business, so we will honour his memory with this dedication.”
Voicemail will be performing on Dancehall Night, and the remaining group members – Jerome “Craig” Jackson and Kevin Blair – expressed gratitude for the gesture made by Reggae Sumfest, and promised a fitting tribute performance. Speaking on their behalf, Craig said “It’s a very good gesture … We support the move and are pleased. I think O’Neil would be very happy for something like this so I guess he is where he is now smiling and giving us support.”
Craig and Kevin have planned a special tribute performance in memory of their fallen comrade. They intend to include the single Praise His Name, which was written and recorded by the group before O’Neil’s untimely passing. As Craig remarked, the Reggae Sumfest dedication is another sign of Jamaica’s love for the group and what they represent. “Personally we’re overwhelmed right now…I knew that Voicemail was loved but never knew we were loved like this. If there was any thought of ending the group Voicemail, this would be inspiration for us to continue – not that there was any, but if there were, that alone would convince us that the journey should continue…best thing to do is to be strong and continue to do what he would have wanted and what he would have done.”
Voicemail joins a who’s who list of artistes who are set to perform on Dancehall Night at Reggae Sumfest this year including Bounty Killer, Mavado, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Tifa, Cecile, and Stacious.
Mi love Voicemail to death, I am their biggest #1Fan in the world. They are so so talented, I just love listening to their music…..I love listening to their raw sexy voice…….their music is the definition of fun……I am never going to stop listening to Voicemail, i am going to support them til i die………..I am still so heartbroken about the passing of Oneil Jason Edwards,he was so handsome and so young, how could those gunmen,do such a wicked thing to a guy like him………i just wish i had the chance to meet him before he died……….To Kevin and Craig life goes on, even though Oneil is not around no more……..keep doing what you guys love to do and that’s making music……..I am so happy you two decided to stay together and not go your separate ways……..because that’s what Oneil would have wanted,you two to stay together, to keep his memory alive….
And to Oneil…..May your loving soul Rest In Peace….Mi love you, Craig and Kevin……..Your #1 True Fan in the world