Funeral service for Claudette Kemp July 19
Late manager led with ‘a iron fist in a velvet glove wrapped in love’
Published:Thursday | June 22, 2023 | 12:14 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
The thanksgiving service for music industry stalwart Claudette Kemp, the manager for reggae artiste Capleton, will be held at the Boulevard Baptist Church, 2 Washington Boulevard, on Wednesday, July 19, starting at 2 p.m.
In making the announcement on social media, Capleton stated, “Miss Kemp was an extraordinary woman, my second mom and manager for 21-plus years. We give thanks for her professionalism and works. Love you Mom.”
Kemp, who passed away on June 9, has been lauded for her humanitarianism and was the engine behind the charity show founded by Capleton, A St Mary Mi Come From, which was usually held at the Gray’s Inn Sports Complex in Annotto Bay. The proceeds assisted several groups in Capleton’s home parish, as well as others in adjoining parishes. Capleton and those who worked alongside Kemp on the concert have spoken about her dedication to the concert, as well as the annual back-to-school treat.
Following a hiatus, the show returned in 2016, with an excited Kemp stating at the time that, “This year’s renewal of A St Mary Mi Come From is a celebration of all that is good about Jamaica. The children’s treat has grown and keeps getting bigger every year, so we decided to host it on a different day from the concert. Everything else will be the same – the rides will be provided, the children will get their usual ice cream, drinks and other treats, and of course, their usual back-to-school packages to set them on the right track for September.”
And, she added that Capleton Music was prepared to host more than 3,000 children.
Hundreds of tributes from around the world have poured in for Kemp since her passing, and last Friday a nine-night celebration was hosted by Capleton at his David House headquarters in Cassia Park, St Andrew.
Roots 96.1 FM, Denise Isis Miller, in her tribute, stated, “Claudette Kemp was a force to reckon with in our reggae music industry. And she proved to us that she could mother the Fire Man and he knew too, as he affectionately called her “Mam”. What a Jahmazing job she did in managing Capelton, David House, Capelton Music and A St Mary Mi Come From ... with a iron fist in a velvet glove wrapped in love!”
Kemp, 76, had been diagnosed with kidney disease last year and was being treated at The University Hospital of the West Indies.