DJ Jamaika, Brazilian rap icon, dies at 55

Rap icon from Brasilia, DJ Jamaika, died this Thursday (23), aged 55. He was battling cancer. The rapper became known for the songs “I’m just watching”, “From dust to dust”, “Rap do lice” and “Two crazy people in Opala 71”. The artist’s death was confirmed on his social media. In a note, the team honored him by saying that he left an unforgettable mark on the world of music and on the lives of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Jefferson da Silva Alves, DJ Jamaika, was born in October 1967, in Taguatinga, in the Federal District. He started his career in the city of Ceilândia and was one of the pioneers of rap in the DF. He was part of important groups such as Câmbio Negro and Alibi. The artist released seven albums throughout his career. In 2002, he changed his style and entered the world of gospel music. The last work was the clip for the song “A Chuva”. Politicians, fans and artists paid tribute, such as rappers GOG, MV Bill and the group Tribo da Periferia. Ana Cecília, Aninha, from the group Atitude Feminina spoke about the importance of the artist who has been her reference since she was 14 years old, as a lyricist, singer and source of inspiration. “90s rap is totally different from [rap] from now. So, Jamaika showed that we can make music with a band, with an orchestra, with the best. He had that mousy look to him, but he was Jamaika. So his legacy is, for me as a rapper, it’s brilliant. I am pleased and honored to say that I met him.” On social media, the group Tribo da Periferia said that the DJ inspired generations and that Jamaika, creator of consecrated beats, started what we can now call “Rap Brasília”. “A giant, extraordinary artist of music and National Rap”, posted the group Tribo da Periferia. DJ Kabeça met Jamaika in the late 1980s, at dances in the underground scene in Ceilândia, the birthplace of hip hop in the Federal District. He comments on the artist’s legacy. “DJ Jamaika is gone, but he left a great legacy for all of us who follow the hip hop path. He opened the doors of rap to the youth of Brasilia and expanded to the whole of Brazil. He left a great legacy for all of us. Hail, hail, DJ Jamaika, wherever you are.” DJ Jamaika’s wake will be held at the Ceilândia Regional Administration auditorium, this Friday (24th), between 2 pm and 3:30 pm. The burial will take place shortly thereafter, at 4:30 pm, at the São Francisco de Assis Cemetery, in Taguatinga.

Agência Brasil