Last Friday afternoon, some people in the fraternity received a WhatsApp message from Kemp’s family stating that “at 1:47 p.m. on Friday, June 9, Claudette Verona Kemp (nee Cummings) transitioned from this world when she took her last breath and closed her eyes to take her final rest. The family appreciates the many prayers ushered for her and will endeavour to communicate further on arrangements.”
Kemp had been diagnosed with kidney disease last year and was being treated at The University Hospital of the West Indies, where she was a patient. Born on February 7, Kemp hosted a birthday bash in 2016, which also doubled as a celebration of her then 36 years in the music industry. A former manager of Beres Hammond, and the spiritual sister of Peter Tosh, Kemp had a solid career in insurance prior to turning her attention to entertainment. A humanitarian, she was always on the lookout for somebody else to assist. On a side note, her potato puddings, which she said were “baked with love”, were legendary and it was a treat for her to hand them out freely to her friends in the music industry.
Taking to social media, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, paid tribute to a woman whom she hailed as “diligent and professional”.
“We have lost a wonderful human being,” Grange said, “A strong woman in the business, Mrs Kemp was sincere and caring and one of the most diligent and professional individuals in the business of music and entertainment in Jamaica. She will be truly missed. I am saddened by her passing. But I know she is now at peace and resting in the arms of the Lord. My condolences to her family and to Capleton to whom she was his ‘second mother’.”
On Saturday, Capleton used social media to post a poignant tribute to the woman who was “always there during [his] trials and triumphs” and to whom he will forever be grateful for the more than 21 years that she spent as his manager.
“Today is one of the hardest days of my life as I grieve the loss of my second mom, great friend and one of the best managers, Mrs Claudette Kemp. She trod on to Zion yesterday and is deeply missed, loved and appreciated. I knew Mrs Kemp for 30 plus years and we initially signed a one-year management agreement June 2002,” Capleton wrote.
He shared that the relationship was so special that people called him her son and he also spoke highly of her being supportive of his family, friends and his annual A St Mary Mi Come From charity show.
“There are few female managers in the music industry, but Ms Kemp was loved and highly respected by the Rasta community, music producers, promoters, media and fans worldwide. Condolence to her family and give thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.”
Veteran tour manager and newly minted author, Copeland Forbes, expressed surprise at Kemp’s passing, and recalled a special occasion on tour 17 years ago with this “ female stalwart in Jah’s army”.
“Wow! Miss Kemp has left us suddenly. I will always remember her on my One Love tour I did in 2006 with Gregory Isaacs, Elan, Assassin, Capleton and Buju Banton. She was a tower of strength to me on that tour. She made such great contribution in the journey and evolution of reggae music and Jamaican music and culture. Condolences to her family. Long live the memory of this great sister, Claudette Kemp,” Forbes said.
Commenting under Minister Grange’s post was one of Kemp’s neighbours, who met her in 1979. She hailed Kemp as a “no-nonsense lady” who ensured that their space was kept clean.
“We are certainly going to miss her being a respectful member of our community. The young men will miss her a lot as they look up to her. We will miss seeing her wonderful friends from the music industry that visit her. On her porch hang photos of her and a number of friends, Babsy Grange, Leonie Forbes and many other strong sisters. She spent her life working very hard with such a short retirement due to illness. God took her into a better place free from pain. Rest in peace my wonderful neighbour.”
Among the entertainers expressing their condolences were Romain Virgo, who wrote, “I can’t even imagine what you’re going through fam. My heart is in pieces right now. Sending condolences to you and the entire family brother”; Gramps Morgan, who simply wrote in all caps, “NOOOOOOOO”; Afrobeats artiste Stonebwoy, “May her soul rest in peace”; and Nadine Sutherland, “Holding you in prayers Capleton. I know the bond you shared. Ms. Kemp was a good woman [and] producer.”
