Canada’s Reggae Family Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Leroy Gibbons

The rhythm of reggae pulsed through the walls of the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) on Thursday, June 26, as the Greater Toronto Area’s reggae community gathered in an emotional tribute to the late Leroy Gibbons, a beloved singer and cultural icon who passed away in Jamaica on June 17 at the age of 74.

With the atmosphere blending the vibrancy of a live stage show and the heartfelt reverence of a traditional Nine Night celebration, family, friends, fans, and fellow artists came together in an evening filled with music, memories, and gratitude for the life of a man whose voice left an indelible mark on reggae music.

The evening opened with prayer, calling upon blessings and divine presence to guide the event. What followed was a celebration that mirrored the energy Leroy Gibbons brought to the stage — joyful, soul-stirring, and united. Some of Toronto’s top sound system selectors kept the crowd dancing, evoking the spirit of the reggae veteran whose hits like “Four Seasons Lover,” “Cupid,” and “Missing You” continue to resonate across generations.

Over 20 of Canada’s leading reggae and dancehall performers volunteered their talents, transforming the stage into a vibrant display of love and musical tribute. Their heartfelt performances underscored Gibbons’ deep influence on the community, both as an artist and as a friend. The spontaneous support of artists attending solely to pay their respects was a powerful reminder of the growing unity and solidarity within the reggae fraternity.

Guiding the evening with poise and charm was MC Danae Peart, whose expert hosting kept the program flowing with warmth and sincerity. Guests shared personal stories, reflecting on the life of a man who called Canada home for over five decades. Gibbons’ family, visibly moved by the outpouring of love, embraced the community that had embraced him for so long.

Behind the scenes, kudos went to Toronto’s Tasjay Productions, who, in just a matter of days, coordinated a flawless and meaningful event — one that captured the essence of Leroy Gibbons’ journey, spirit, and legacy.

Born in Gregory Park, St. Catherine, Jamaica, Leroy Gibbons was more than a voice in reggae — he was a storyteller, a soul messenger, and a bridge between gospel roots and dancehall energy. His recently released gospel EP, “Heaven Bound,” reflected a deeper dimension of the artist often eclipsed by his chart-topping hits.

As the night came to a close, one message resonated through the crowd: Leroy Gibbons may be gone, but his music lives on. The celebration at the JCA was more than a farewell — it was a call to live fully, love deeply, and give thanks every day.