Popular DJ, music producer and radio personality Arif Cooper died early this morning after collapsing at a Recall Throwback Edition event at the Hope Road Police Club. Cooper was one of several DJs booked for the event.
Arif Cooper, the son of renowned musician and music teacher Ibo Cooper, has been DJing since 1991 and has become one of the most popular picks in Jamaica and abroad. He founded Fresh Ear Production House in 1997. In 1998 he joined FAME FM, a member of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, and was part of that entity until his death. Arif Cooper has been instrumental in the career of several dancehall acts including Vybz Kartel, Konshens, Baby Cham, Alaine, Demarco and Aidonia and has backed many popular beats such as Guardian Angel, New Money and Happy Step riddims, and contributed greatly to Jamaican music and culture.
As the news continues to spread, people in the entertainment industry have begun to mourn on social media.
Singer Nadine Sutherland tweeted her condolences to the family of the deceased. “Because I’ve seen a lot of death over the past few years [of] For years, I felt like I was an OG. But upon waking up to the news that Arif Cooper has changed gender, I was shocked! My heart breaks for Igbo, Joey, his kids, family, friends and fans. What is a person? ’ the tweet read.
Cultural studies and music scholar Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah said: “Sad news this morning. RIP #ArifCooper and condolences to your family (especially dad Ibo and mum) and friends and especially to the wider Brotherhood of Music and Media.”