July tribute concert and thanksgiving service planned for late gospel singer Kukudoo

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange confirmed the plans in a press release issued on Wednesday for public remembrances of David 'Kukudoo' McDermott, the revivalist gospel singer who died on May 8.

A tribute concert looking back on his life and contributions will take place at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, July 14, at 7 p.m. The same venue will later hold a Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, July 19, with viewing set for 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Grange said McDermott stood as a major figure in national culture, with material that drew on African-derived spiritual traditions within Jamaican society. She noted that his performances reached listeners across generations and from many different social backgrounds.

Organisers also recognised McDermott at this year's Labour Day Concert, an event where he had been a regular presence on stage.

The singer was diagnosed with cancer in late February of this year.