The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

and RASHAD ROLLE

THE DEATH of international Bahamian recording artist Johnny Kemp on Thursday has saddened the Grand Bahama community, where his siblings are said to be devastated by the news.

The popular singer - famous for such hits as “Just Got Paid”, “Just Another Lover” and “Birthday Suit” - was found dead in the waters off a beach in Jamaica, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell confirmed yesterday. He was 55.

“They are a strong Christian family and will get through this devastating loss,” said someone close to the family.

Peter Adderley, president of public relations firm Creative Works, described Mr Kemp as a “musical icon” long before his biggest hit “Just Got Paid” and recalled he had shone as a musical artist in high school in Grand Bahama.

“Long before Kemp’s Grammy nominee and R&B Top 100 Chart achievements related to his ‘Just Got Paid’ hit that made us all so proud, he represented what was great about entertainment on Grand Bahama,” Mr Adderley told The Tribune.

“In the 1970s the then Freeport High School, now Bishop Michael Eldon, put on some incredible and popular talent shows. Among the anticipated acts were a David Bowen dance and a bring down the house song by a young, handsome and talented Johnny Kemp. Seemed almost unfair back then that God would give one boy – book smarts, good looks, a remarkable voice and an afro.

“Johnny Kemp hinted iconic stardom early. When Kemp was a teenager, Friday evenings were special during the summer months on Grand Bahama. Goombay Festival at the Goombay Park in the International Bazaar area featured the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band and a budding and explosive Johnny Kemp as lead vocal in the Fox Fire Band. He was magical. He stands among our country’s legendary entertainers and Grand Bahama can lay claim to aspects of his greatness. His local and worldwide spectacular performances will forever live with us,” he said.

“I extend heartfelt condolences to his entire family, among them Ms Jeannie Kemp and Mrs Yvonne Ward who are my former teachers, his friends, fans and all who loved him.”

Mr Mitchell gave the details to the media yesterday: “On Thursday, April 16, Alveta Knight, Bahamas Honorary Consul in Jamaica, was notified by the Royal Jamaican Police Force that a fully clothed but unresponsive man was recovered by the Jamaican Maritime Police in the waters off One Man Beach, Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, Jamaica in the Parish of St James. Identification in the clothing revealed the name Jonathan Kemp in a Bahamian passport.

“The Honorary Consul was asked by the next of kin to assist with the formalities in Jamaica associated with the discovery and death. An autopsy is to be performed to determine the cause of death.

“Upon completion of the requisite formalities, the body will be released to his family who will advise as to funeral and burial arrangements. The Honorary Consul continues to assist and will provide support as and when needed. Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased.”

He added: “This is a well known name in the country, both him and his father before him. We’ve been assured by the Jamaican police that the matter is being investigated. There is no conclusion as to the cause of death. The stories that you’ve heard, none of them can be authenticated. Until the facts are confirmed I would avoid all speculation.”