Music icon Max Romeo has d!ed at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy that spans over five decades.

The reggae pioneer’s passing was confirmed through a social media announcement on Sunday, sparking an outpouring of tributes from fans worldwide. According to reports, Max succumbed to heart complications on Friday in a hospital in Jamaica’s Saint Andrew Parish. T

he news was first shared by DancehallMag, which quoted a family member expressing their devastation. A statement posted online paid tribute to the late musician, saying, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Max. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and tributes, and kindly ask for privacy at this time. Legends never d!e.”

Max’s daughter, Azana Smith, spoke to DancehallMag about the family’s grief, stating, “The family is devastated right now.”

She remembered her father fondly, adding, “My father Maxie Smith is not in this dimension anymore, he is not here for me to speak with but he lives on. The family is mourning and asking for privacy at this time.”

Max was banned from BBC because of controversial music ( 
Image:
Redferns)
Throughout his illustrious career, which began in 1967 and continued until 2022, Max Romeo made an indelible mark on the music world, including with a 1968 track that gained notoriety for its provocative title. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to be celebrated by fans of reggae and music lovers alike.

Maxie, who goes by the stage name Xana Romeo, revealed that her father had been hospitalized but was expected to be discharged on Friday before his sudden passing. She shared a photo of her father on social media with the caption: “Love you dad” and a white heart emoji.

Max began his career in the 1960s and caused a stir in 1968 with the release of his single “Wet Dream.” The song, produced by Harry Robinson and Junior Smith, was considered too sexually explicit for some networks, including the BBC, which banned it.

Despite this, the song piqued public interest and soared up the UK charts, reaching the top 10. It also found success in other parts of Europe, charting at number 11 in the Netherlands.

In a 2023 interview with YouTuber Teach Dem, Max admitted that the controversy only spurred him on to record and release more singles with provocative titles, such as “Play with Your P- – -sy,” “P- – -sy Watchman,” and “Wine Her Goosie.”

As his career evolved, Max became more politically and spiritually focused. One of his songs was even chosen as the soundtrack for the political campaign of future Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley, who served from 1989 to 1992.

Since his breakthrough in the 1960s, Max’s announcement of a lawsuit in 2023 rocked the industry as he demanded a whopping $15 million from Universal Music Group and Polygram Publishing, Inc. , alleging a staggering five-decade gap in royalty payments.

The star’s passing has since sent shockwaves among his fanbase, triggering an outpouring of grief on social media platforms. Followers have been paying tribute, with heartfelt condolences flooding in; one fan expressed their sorrow on Instagram, writing: “Rest in eternal power, King Maxie.”

Meanwhile, another commented: “Legends never d!e.”