Harry Belafonte
KINGSTON, Jamaica--Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Babsy Grange are among scores of officials paying respects to late singer, actor and activist, Harry Belafonte.
Belafonte, whose dynamic acappella shout of “Day-O!” from The Banana Boat Song and other music from world folk traditions propelled him to international stardom, reportedly died at his home in Manhattan, New York, on Tuesday. He was 96 years old.
In his tribute, Prime Minister Holness said the nation has lost a "treasured icon". He dubbed Belafonte a "barrier-breaking singer, actor and activist who used his talent and platform to promote social justice and equality for all."
"He was a true ambassador for Jamaica and Jamaican culture, using his fame to highlight our beautiful island. Representing the best of our culture and values, his music and activism touched the hearts and minds of people globally," Holness wrote in a tweet.
Belafonte was not only a talented artiste but also a fearless activist, who dedicated his life to the struggle for civil rights and social justice. He was a trailblazer who paved the way for generations of artistes and activists to come, and his legacy will live on," he continued.
"On behalf of the people of Jamaica, I extend our deepest condolences to Harry Belafonte's family and loved ones. We will never forget his contributions to our country and the world, and we will continue to honour his memory," Holness added.
Grange, in her tribute, said the iconic entertainer would be deeply missed.
"So sad to hear of the passing of Harry Belafonte. He was such an important promoter of our folk music – bringing “Day-O”, “Jamaica Farewell” and other songs to America and elsewhere. He was a voice, face and inspiration for black people everywhere. I feel this loss," she wrote on Twitter.
Belafonte was born to Jamaican immigrants, grew up in poverty in depression-era Harlem and became a major black crossover success in popular music.
He went on to smash a series of barriers over five decades as a movie, TV and stage star. His artistic and humanitarian work frequently overlapped, reflecting his belief that “the role of art isn’t just to show life as it is but to show life as it should be."
Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., American politician Bernie Sanders, actor Blair Underwood and former Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo were among the international officials to pay tribute to the late Belafonte. Bernice King shared that as a child, Belafonte showed up for her family in "very compassionate ways."
"In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings," she revealed in a tweet.
"Harry Belafonte was not only a great entertainer, but he was a courageous leader in the fight against racism and worker oppression. Jane and I were privileged to consider him a friend and will miss him very much," Sanders wrote in his tribute. ~ Jamaica Observer ~
