Popular disc jockey Arif Cooper has died
Published:Sunday | March 5, 2023 | 11:13 AMAaliyah Cunningham/Gleaner Writer -
Popular disc jockey (DJ), music producer and radio personality Arif Cooper died early this morning after collapsing at Recall Throwback Edition held at the Police Officers' Club on Hope Road. Cooper was one of several DJs booked for the event.
The son of famous musician and music teacher Ibo Cooper, Arif Cooper has been DJing since 1991 and had become one of Jamaica's most loved selectors at home and abroad. He founded the Fresh Ear Production House in 1997. In 1998, he joined FAME FM, a member of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, and was a part of the entity until his passing. Arif Cooper has been an instrumental part of the careers of several dancehall acts, including Vybz Kartel, Konshens, Baby Cham, Alaine, Demarco and Aidonia and is behind many popular rhythms such as Guardian Angel, New Money, and Happy Step riddims and has contributed immensely to Jamaica's music and culture.
As the news continues to circulate, members of the entertainment industry have already begun paying tribute on social media.
Singer Nadine Sutherland offered condolences to the family on Twitter. "Because of the large amounts of death I have experienced over the last couple [of] years, I feel like I am an OG. But waking up to the news of Arif Cooper's transition hit me like a ton of bricks! My heart is breaking for Ibo, Joy, his children, family, friends and fans. What is man?" the tweet read.
"This is sad news this morning. RIP #ArifCooper and condolences to your family (especially Dad Ibo and Mom) and friends, especially with the wider music and media fraternity," said cultural studies and music scholar, Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah.