Tributes and condolences have poured in from several other Dancehall and Reggae artists, Political leaders, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding, and other well-wishers in memory of Peetah Morgan who passed away on February 25, 2024, in the United States.
Peter Anthony Morgan aka 'Peetah', the lead singer of the popular reggae band Morgan Heritage that he founded with four siblings, died Sunday at 46, his family said.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed his sadness, describing the loss as enormous for Jamaica and Reggae.
“My heart is heavy to learn of the passing of Peetah Morgan of the world-renowned Morgan Heritage. I send deep condolences to the Morgan family as they grieve this tremendous loss which is also a colossal loss for Jamaica and for Reggae music,” he wrote.
My heart is heavy to learn of the passing of Peetah Morgan of the world renowned Morgan Heritage.
I send my deep condolences to the Morgan family as they grieve this tremendous loss which is also a colossal loss for Jamaica and for Reggae Music. pic.twitter.com/X6OLhiWJ3a— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) February 25, 2024
Jamaican opposition leader and president of The People’s National Party, Mark Golding, also offered public sympathies.
“Today, we mourn the loss of Peter Anthony Morgan known as Peetah, the lead singer of Morgan Heritage. Peter along with his siblings Uma Morgan, Roy ‘Gramps’ Morgan, Nakhamyah ‘Lukes’ Morgan and Memmalatel ‘Mr. Mojo’ Morgan formed a powerhouse musical that resonated globally. Our heartfelt sympathies extend to Peetah’s family, friends, fans and the entire musical fraternity. His legacy and contributions to Reggae music will forever echo in our hearts”.
Dancehall star Buju Banton recounted meeting the band for the first time in New York and expressed deep sorrow over Morgan’s unexpected death, especially as they were working on a new project together.
“Over twenty five years ago, I was invited to listen to a new group on the horizon. I was in NYC. I went to a place called Bushwick, Brooklyn, to listen to this set of new musicians/artists. I was completely in love with the sound, the work ethic and the good vibe I felt. That day I immediately added them to my European Tour dates and would go on to bring that sound to the world with the help of Penthouse’s Donovan Germain,” the Hills and Valleys singer wrote on Instagram.
“We have always kept it honest with all we have done for our people and people of the world by extension. I spent the last two weeks of your life with you working on a very special project only to wake up today learning that you took a shortcut Peter. I am so saddened by this sudden turn of events. You a totally a reggae music superstar who gave from where our father said we should, our hearts,” he added.
“All those memories, all that laughter, all those tours. I am going to miss you Peter and I will comfort myself with this thought. You cannot come to us but we must come to where you are. Until then Peter, I love you. The brother I never had,” Buju ended.
Banton previously collaborated with Morgan Heritage on the song 23rd Psalm, which appeared on his Buju & Friends album in 2004.
Dancehall songbird Alaine, in her tribute, recounted how she missed an opportunity to share a photograph with Peetah, thinking another opportunity would have presented itself.
“I saw you in Turks and Caicos in December and as usual you greeted me with the biggest smile and the warmest hug. I wanted to take a picture but then said to myself no man I soon see him again…I don’t even have the words. My dear brother and friend, sleep in peace,” she wrote.
Death announcement
Speaking to DancehallMag, publicist/producer Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards suggested that Morgan’s passing was due to illness following a stroke. However, the Morgan family has not revealed an official cause of death.
The family asked for privacy and thanked people in advance for their love and support. The statement posted on social media did not share a cause of death.
“It is out of sincere love that we share that our beloved husband, father, son, and brother and lead singer of Morgan Heritage Peter Anthony Morgan has ascended today.
"Jah comes and saves us from ourselves because love is the only way,” read part of the statement.
The family went on to ask the world for prayers and privacy during this difficult time.
“Our family thanks you in advance for your overwhelming love and support, and we ask for your continued prayers as we go through this process. We also ask that you please respect our privacy during this time of healing. Thank you!” the statement added.
