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The reggae world has lost one of its powerful voices.
Jamaican reggae artiste Fantan Mojah has died at the age of 49, just weeks away from celebrating his 50th birthday. His passing marks the end of a career defined by spiritual messages, social commentary and a deep commitment to conscious reggae.
The singer reportedly passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in Kingston after suffering complications linked to his heart.
According to his booking agent, Vertex, Fantan Mojah’s health declined shortly after he returned to Jamaica from the United States.
“Since he came back from the United States, he was hearty, but over the past week he started to ‘tek down’ and he was admitted to the UHWI,” Vertex said. “Last night, he was vomiting blood, and that was it. He passed away.”
Born Owen Moncrieffe, Fantan Mojah carved out a respected place in reggae history with music that blended Rastafarian spirituality, social awareness and messages of hope. He became known for songs such as Hail the King, Corruption, Hungry, Stronger, Thanks & Praise, Nuh Build Great Man featuring Jah Cure, Most High Jah and Rasta Got Soul.
His music travelled far beyond Jamaica, earning him loyal listeners across the Caribbean, Europe and Africa. Through his lyrics, Fantan Mojah championed faith, justice and African consciousness, proving that reggae could still be a voice for reflection in a fast-changing world.
Ghanaian reggae and dancehall fans also had the opportunity to experience his energy firsthand. In 2025, he made his debut performance in Ghana as a special guest of Stonebwoy at the 10th BHIM Festival held at the Accra Sports Stadium. The veteran artiste thrilled audiences with some of his biggest songs, creating a memorable moment for reggae lovers.
Before his passing, Fantan Mojah was preparing to take his music back to international audiences. He was scheduled to perform at this year’s Reggae Jam Festival in Germany, with reports indicating that his Schengen visa had already been approved for the event.
However, behind the scenes, the artiste had been battling significant health challenges. Friends revealed that his condition worsened in the days before his death while he was staying in Portmore, limiting his ability to engage in physically demanding activities.
In July 2024, he was hospitalised in Martinique after experiencing breathing difficulties and chest discomfort. Reports at the time indicated that his heart function had dropped to about 15 per cent capacity.
Despite the frightening health setback, Fantan Mojah showed remarkable resilience. By early 2025, his condition had improved considerably, allowing him to return to touring and reconnect with fans across Europe.
The artiste leaves behind at least five children and a catalogue of music that continues to inspire generations of reggae lovers.
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow musicians around the world, Fantan Mojah is being remembered not only as a gifted singer but as a messenger who used reggae to spread positivity, spirituality and a call for social consciousness.
His voice may have gone silent, but the messages in his music will continue to echo.
