Farewell, Familyman
The entertainment fraternity gathered at the National Indoor Sports Centre on Tuesday for the celebration of the life of Aston “Familyman” Barrett.
Barrett died on February 3, 2024.
Scores of well-wishers offered memories and tributes to honour the self-taught, veteran musician.
Among those making presentations were Bongo Herman, Naomi Cowan, Addis Pablo, Droop Lion, Andrew Tosh, Julian Marley and Aston Barrett Jr. Video tributes were received from Lloyd Parks, Copeland Forbes, as well as Ziggy and Cedella Marley.
The litany of tributes were followed by Ethopian Orthodox Tewahedo church service guided by head administator for the Caribbean and Latin America Archdiocese Archmandrite Aba Gebreyesus Woldesamuel Negatu.
Poetry, prayers, chants, along with scripture readings by many of Barrett’s relatives were a part of the liturgy.
By The Rivers of Babylon (Psalm 137) and rousing drumminf were among the musical selections used in the service.
Much of the tribute service was coordinated by the efforts of Ministry of Entertainment and Culture along with Jamaica Cultural Development Commission for the man said to have helped shape the sound of reggae music.
Barrett had been invested into the Order of Distinction at the rank of Commander by the Government.
The interment took place at Dovecot Memorial Park.