PM Holness, Grange, sad at passing of Kukudoo

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, have expressed sadness at the passing of the gospel artiste, David 'Kukudoo' McDermot. The Revivalist singer, who was diagnosed with cancer in late February of this year, passed away on Friday. He was 61.

A post on Kukudoo’s Instagram page stated, "It is with a heavy heart that we, the family of David ‘Kukudoo’ McDermott, have to tell the public that he passed this morning … at this time we ask for grace and respect in our time of grief.” 

Prime Minster Holness paid tribute to the artiste on Facebook, noting that “our hearts are indeed heavy as we mourn the passing of a true original, a gifted son of Jamaica whose voice and spirit will never be forgotten".

"He had a quick and ready smile, a warm demeanour, and a spirit of humility that endeared him to so many across Jamaica and beyond. Gentle in presence, but powerful in voice, Kukudoo carried himself with grace, kindness and authenticity, touching lives not only through music, but through the way he treated people," Holness said in the post.

“He filled every concert, and gathering he attended with his incredible voice, belting out traditional gospel songs in his unmistakable signature style, done in a way only he could. His music was heartfelt and deeply rooted in faith, culture and conviction. For many Jamaicans, his voice became part of treasured memories, and celebrations,” the prime minister continued.

He added that off the stage Kukudoo was admired for his humility and warmth and noted that “his contribution to Jamaican gospel music leaves an enduring mark and his absence will be profoundly felt”.

Minster Grange, in recognising Kukudoo’s contribution, hailed him as “a cultural force whose work celebrated African-derived spiritual traditions within Jamaican society”.

The minister said “Kukudoo was a strong performer who resonated across generations and social backgrounds”.

His passing, she said, “is a great loss and he will be sorely missed”.

A former machine operator at the now-defunct Bernard Lodge Sugar Estate, Kukudoo got his start singing at nine nights, or ‘dead yards’ as it is known.

One night, the church band was playing at a nine-night, when the engineer recorded Kukudoo’s performance and put it on a CD. A few change of hands and some copies later, King David (See People Business and Leave It Alone) was playing in taxis all across the island.

His singing blossomed into a full-time career, which saw him being called on regularly for assignments overseas. 

He was also a fixture on the annual Jamaica Independence Gala, where his rousing mento-soaked gospel songs and high-energy performances are always winners.