Celebrated Jamaican reggae artist Fantan Mojah has died at age 49, just three weeks before his 50th birthday.
Reports by international publications indicates that the singer passed away on Tuesday evening at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston after suffering complications related to his heart.
Fantan Mojah rose to prominence in the mid-2000s as one of reggae’s top new acts after signing to Downsound Records.
During his time with the label he released major hits including “Hungry” which shot to number one on the Jamaican charts and stayed there for eight consecutive weeks, as well as “Rastar got soul”.
A close associate told one of the publication that the entertainer’s health deteriorated rapidly in the days before his death.
Mojah, whose real name was Owen Moncrieffe, had reportedly been preparing to perform at this year’s Reggae Jam Festival in Germany.
It is also reported that his Schengen visas for the engagement had recently been approved.
The singer, who is said to be the father of at least five children, had battled serious health problems in recent years.
In July 2024 he was hospitalised in Martinique after suffering breathing difficulties and chest tightness.
At the time, reports said his heart was functioning at approximately 15 per cent capacity.
By early 2025 he appeared to be recovering, and media reports described his progress as encouraging and he later resumed touring in Europe.
In the days before his death, he reportedly could not exert himself too much and was staying with friends in Portmore.
Further details surrounding his death were not immediately available.
Reports by international publications indicates that the singer passed away on Tuesday evening at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston after suffering complications related to his heart.
Fantan Mojah rose to prominence in the mid-2000s as one of reggae’s top new acts after signing to Downsound Records.
During his time with the label he released major hits including “Hungry” which shot to number one on the Jamaican charts and stayed there for eight consecutive weeks, as well as “Rastar got soul”.
A close associate told one of the publication that the entertainer’s health deteriorated rapidly in the days before his death.
Mojah, whose real name was Owen Moncrieffe, had reportedly been preparing to perform at this year’s Reggae Jam Festival in Germany.
It is also reported that his Schengen visas for the engagement had recently been approved.
The singer, who is said to be the father of at least five children, had battled serious health problems in recent years.
In July 2024 he was hospitalised in Martinique after suffering breathing difficulties and chest tightness.
At the time, reports said his heart was functioning at approximately 15 per cent capacity.
By early 2025 he appeared to be recovering, and media reports described his progress as encouraging and he later resumed touring in Europe.
In the days before his death, he reportedly could not exert himself too much and was staying with friends in Portmore.
Further details surrounding his death were not immediately available.
