Jamaican artiste Determine, best known for the 1995 hit song Kette Drum with Beenie Man, died in the United States on February 13.

He was 52 years old.

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His son, Romario “Runkus” Bennett, confirmed Determine’s passing. He told the Jamaica Observer that the cause of death was stomach cancer.

“My father was a great man who overcame hardship and mek something of himself. He was di best I could ask for as a father,” said Runkus, who is also a roots-reggae artiste.

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Determine (real name Rohan Bennett) is synonymous with Kette Drum, which was produced by Bobby Digital. His chant to the Nyahbinghi beat was complemented by Beenie Man’s hard core flow, making it one of the biggest dancehall songs of the 1990s.

Kette Drum was Determine’s third song, following Zion Hill and Full Speed (with Terror Fabulous).

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While he never replicated its success, he acknowledged its importance in a 2022 interview with the
Observer.

“Anywhere yuh hear it, is like mi jus’ do it. It’s timeless, still got a great energy,” he said then.

Three years ago, Determine launched the Sandy Lane Production label, named for the community in which he was born and raised in Annotto Bay, St Mary.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said that the reggae singer made a strong impact on the music in spite of his relatively short life.

She added that his legacy within reggae music is secured with his contributions continuing to influence artistes today.

“Indeed, Kette Drum remains a favourite of mine; a song that stirs my soul,” disclosed Grange. “His passing leaves a huge void in our music industry and in the hearts of his many fans… We say goodbye with a heavy heart to a trojan of reggae music.”

Determine is survived by three children, brothers and sisters.

— Howard Campbell