The Jamaican music scene mourns the loss of dancehall artist Gully Bop, whose real name is Robert Lee Malcolm, as he passed away on Monday, October 30th, 2023, at the age of 59. Gully Bop’s death comes after a period of illness during which he was admitted to the Kingston Public Hospital.
Gully Bop rose to fame in 2014 when his impromptu performances captivated the hearts of many and became a sensation on social media platforms. His infectious energy and raw talent propelled him to release hit tracks like “Wuk Affa Mi” and “My God, Dem Nuh Bad Like Me.” The dancehall star’s breakthrough year saw him gracing prominent stages like Sting and appearing on popular television programs like Onstage TV and TVJ’s Entertainment Report.
Prior to his fame as Gully Bop, the artist had previously pursued a music career under the stage name ‘Country Man’ in the early 1990s. However, he did not find the success he craved during that period.
Aside from his musical journey, Gully Bop’s personal life had been marked by tumultuous relationships, including publicized altercations with fellow entertainers A’mari and Shauna Chin. His legal troubles included charges of domestic abuse and robbery in the United States in 2016, and assault in 2018 in Jamaica.
In recent times, Gully Bop faced a series of health challenges, with reports surfacing earlier this year that he was in dire need of medical assistance and basic necessities. His struggles were compounded by a previous mismanagement of a GoFundMe campaign, which left him feeling deceived and vulnerable.
Despite the highs and lows of his career, Gully Bop will be remembered as an influential figure in Jamaica’s dancehall scene, capturing the hearts of many with his unique style and spirited performances. His legacy will live on within the music industry and among his devoted fans.