Dominica’s cadencelypso superstar, the legendary Jeff Joseph aka Jeff Joe of St. Joseph has died after undergoing surgery in Le Maynard hospital in Martinique. Jeff Joe who performed at the recent 15th Annual World Creole Music Festival is said to have suffered from heart and kidney failure.
This report was confirmed during an interview with DJ Jokham on DBS’ Radio Program L’experience Creole moments ago. The news of Jeff Joe’s illness reached the island yesterday placing everyone in a solemn mood wishing for a speedy recovery for the legend.
Joseph’s musical career began in the early 1970s when he teamed up with students who hailed from Dominica Grammar School and St Mary’s Academy, hence the name of the band Grammacks. During his musical career he has toured across the globe and is very well known in the French Antilles. In the early 1980′s Jeff Joe and his Grammacks performed at the United States superbowl.
Joseph will be remembered for his energetic performances of songs such as ‘Soucouyant’, ‘Soliel Tous Chaud’, and ‘Woy Mi Debas’. Many of his recordings were done in the legendary Debs Studio in Martinique. Joseph is known for adding various Caribbean styles to his musical identity. Not only was Jeff a lead member of the original Gramacks, the follow up Gramacks New Generation, but he was also a founding member of the Antillean group Volt Face along with Georges Decimus.
Jeff Joe was honored by Triple Kay International during their performance at the 15th Annual WMCF. He was recognized for his influence on the band and his contribution to the advancement of the musical industry in Dominica. Jeff had just completed a performance of the remake of ‘Soucouyant’ with the band.
Jeff was one of Dominica’s goodwill ambassadors and he played and integral part in the promotion and marketing of the World Creole Music Festival. Jeff will be missed by the music fraternity in Dominica, the French West Indies and the entire Dominican populace. Dominica now mourns a legend, an icon, an ambassador and a musical hero. May his soul rest in peace.
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One Comment
Grammacks to some, one of, but to me the best most influential band to come out of Dominica/French Antilles. I listen to them all the times. Their style influenced Zook and the mother of creole music Kompas. And when I listen to some Reggaetone artists I could swear that they were diggin in the crates and found an old Grammacks album. I love Jeff Joe’s voice. It was strong, unique and never changing (ageless). I am sad to hear that he’s passed on. He and Grammacks is one of my all time favorite musicians.