Public viewing of Robbie Shakespeare’s body on Bob Marley’s birthday

Members of the public will get to bid farewell to two-time Grammy Award-winning entertainer, Robbie Shakespeare, on Sunday.

Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, yesterday announced that the late entertainer's body will lay at the National Indoor Sports Centre for public viewing from midday to 3 p.m. Condolence books will also be opened at the sports centre.

"We know that members of the public have been waiting for a chance to say goodbye to Robbie, who - along with Sly - has contributed so much to our music. As we are still operating under COVID-19 conditions, we cannot host a big event. But we think this an appropriate way to allow our people to express their appreciation for this talented musician while observing the necessary health and safety protocols," Grange said.

Sunday, the day of the viewing, is the birthday of reggae great Bob Marley. February is also reggae month, a fact that has not been lost on the culture minister.

"This is a time of not only celebration of our music and strategising for the way forward, but also a time for reflection on all aspects of the music, including its human creators and proponents such as Bob and Robbie who have done so much for reggae," Grange said.

"So, in Reggae Month, as we celebrate Bob Marley's birthday on February 6, and say goodbye to Robbie Shakespeare, producer and one of the world's best base guitarists - both of them cultural icons and reggae ambassadors -we remember all those who have gone before with love and respect always," Grange said.

Shakespeare, one of reggae's most influential bassists, died at a hospital in Miami, Florida, on December 8 last year. He was 68.

His remains will be buried on Monday, February 7, following a funeral service which will be restricted to close family members and friends.