Reggae singer Fantan Mojah dies aged 49

Reggae artist Fantan Mojah has died at the age of 49, just three weeks shy of his 50th birthday. The Rastafarian performer reportedly passed away Tuesday evening at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston due to complications with his heart.

A close associate told Observer Online that the entertainer's health declined rapidly in the days leading up to his death. "Last night, he was vomiting blood, and that was it. He passed away," said booking agent Vertex, describing how Mojah was admitted to the hospital after his condition worsened over the past week.

Mojah, whose real name was Owen Moncrieffe, had reportedly been preparing for a performance at the Reggae Jam Festival in Germany, with Schengen visas for the engagement recently approved. The singer, believed to be the father of at least five children, had faced significant health issues in recent years. In July 2024, he was hospitalized in Martinique for breathing difficulties and chest tightness, with his heart functioning at only about 15 percent capacity at the time.

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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.

Despite these challenges, Mojah appeared to be recovering by early 2025, with media reports describing his progress as encouraging, and he resumed touring in Europe. Known for his powerful delivery and spiritually charged reggae songs, Fantan Mojah built a devoted following through recordings that blended Rastafarian teachings, social commentary, and emotional intensity.

His musical journey began unconventionally. Mojah was a window washer whose life changed dramatically after meeting Downsound Records chief Joe Bogdanovich. Bogdanovich recalled discovering Mojah as a child and eventually recording "really, really big records with him." Before meeting Bogdanovich, Mojah had tried multiple times to enter the music industry, initially using the moniker Mad Killer and participating in talent contests. He later worked as a handyman for the Kilamanjaro sound system before making his recording debut in 1997. His breakthrough 2005 album, "Hail the King," was recorded at Downsound Records, marking a significant point in his career.

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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.