Tributes paid to Arif Cooper as 'outstanding' DJ passes away in Jamaica

Tributes have poured in for DJ Arif Cooper on social media after the confirmed reports of the famous disc jockey’s death in Jamaica.

The local community is mourning the death of famous Jamaican music producer and broadcaster DJ Arif Cooper who died during an event.

Many people from the music industry and fans have paid touching tributes after learning the devastating news.

Music producer and disc jockey at FAME FM Arif Cooper died early Sunday after collapsing at a party at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew. Arif was the son of musician and educator Michael 'Ibo' Cooper. #GLNREnt pic.twitter.com/dVlh6XRNQ4

— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) March 5, 2023

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DJ Arif Cooper has passed away in Jamaica

As reported by Jamaica Gleaner, Cooper passed away after reportedly collapsing during a performance.

The beloved DJ and producer was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death hasn’t been confirmed to the public and media.

In a statement, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange mourned Cooper’s loss, saying “another of our outstanding personalities left us suddenly and at such a relatively young age”.

“We saw Arif following his famous father, Michael ‘Ibo’ Cooper, a founder of Third World Band, into music and making his own name here in Jamaica and on the international scene where he entertained audiences in a number of United States cities and in Japan,” Grange said in the statement.

“Arif’s versatility was one of the huge features of the man and was greatly admired by his colleagues in the music industry, especially those whose careers benefitted from his talent, and by his fans. He will be sorely missed.”

Arif Cooper’s career

Cooper made a name for himself in the Jamaican music industry as a disc jockey, producer, and broadcaster.

At an early age, he developed a passion for music and served as a DJ at local house parties in the early ’90s.

Cooper founded the Fresh Ear Production House in 1997. He was also a well-known DJ and radio broadcaster at Fame FM where he worked for more than 20 years.

During his celebrated career, Cooper worked with a number of high-profile artists in the local music scene, including Alaine, Elephant Man, Demarco, and Aidonia.

Tributes paid to ‘outstanding’ DJ

Many people expressed their shock over Cooper’s sudden death and paid touching tributes to the disc jockey.

Under one of Cooper’s Instagram posts, one wrote: “You have definitely impacted the world and [me], thanks for everything fam.”

Another said: “This is hard to hear, rest well Arif. I wish your family peace and comfort during this time of turmoil.”

“RIP Arif Cooper, you will truly be missed,” a third fan added.

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