Reggae enthusiasts across Africa are mourning the loss of Peter ‘Peetah’ Morgan, the lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning band Morgan Heritage. 

His passing on 25 February at the age of 46 was announced by his family, with the cause of death yet to be disclosed.

“It is out of sincere love that we share that our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and lead singer of Morgan Heritage, Peter Anthony Morgan has ascended today. Our family thanks you in advance for your overwhelming love and support, and we ask for your continued prayers as we go through this process. We also ask that you please respect our privacy during this time of healing,” read the statement from the Morgans family.

Born on 11 July 1977 in Brooklyn, New York, Peter Morgan was one of the many children of Jamaican singer Denroy Morgan. In 1994, Peter, whose voice was widely described among the most iconic of his generation, founded the reggae ensemble Morgan Heritage alongside four of his siblings, securing a deal with MCA and releasing their debut album Miracles that same year. Subsequently, the family made a move back to Jamaica

Peter Morgan’s legacy as a talented vocalist and integral member of Morgan Heritage will forever resonate within the reggae music scene.