Reggae star Daddigon was shot in the back and killed on the night of Thursday, January 27, 2005 in Kingston, Jamaica. The singer, most recognized for his work on Damian “Junior Gong” Marley’s album “Halfway Tree,” was an original member of the Dutty Cup Crew with Sean Paul.
Born in Kingston as Gabra Mantaskeddus Lambert in 1974, Daddigon grew up on reggae music. His father was a member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and grew his son around that culture. “My father used to par wid man like Freddy [McGregor], faddah Ken [Boothe] and Bob [Marley],” Daddigon told the Jamaica Observer last year. He grew up around Hope Road, and his father, who worked as a vendor, dragged his son to all the stage shows.
An an original member of the Dutty Cup Crew, Daddigon spent years doing music with Sean Paul, DJ Chicken, and Froggy. He left the crew in 1997 and linked up with the Marley brothers in 1998. He opened up a tour for Ziggy and Damian, and recorded a number of Bob Marley tunes with them, including “Kaya” and “Sun is Shining.” Daddigon’s music had a conscious message and he often articulated his disappointment with dancehall’s limitations–he always preferred live musicians to recorded tracks and drum machines.
Sean Paul was very saddened to hear of his death, “To me, Daddigon was more than a crew mate–he was a dear friend,” he said. “[He] had a message in his music, which I know will endure beyond his death. I look forward to the day when Jamaica is known more for our rich musical heritage rather than the elevating level of violence.”
Ironically Daddigon’s message to the Jamaican youth on his latest project was to, “Never limit yourself. Low out di gun ting and listen out for the message.”
The funeral will be held on Sunday, February 13th at 1 p.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sandy Park, Kingston, Jamaica. The Memorial Fund has been set up for burial and funeral arrangements and for the family. Donations can be sent to: Warriors Of The Night, Inc., PO Box 972342, Miami, FL 33197. For more information, visit www.daddigon.com.
