Overview

• Max Romeo, a cornerstone of reggae music and political protest, died at age 80 on April 11, 2025, in Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica, from heart complications.
• His international breakthrough came in 1968 with 'Wet Dream,' a controversial hit banned by the BBC but still a UK Top 10 success.
• Romeo's 1976 album 'War Ina Babylon,' created with Lee 'Scratch' Perry, became a landmark in politically charged reggae, addressing corruption and violence in Jamaica.
• His enduring influence spans decades, with tracks like 'Chase the Devil' sampled by artists such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, and the Prodigy.
• Beyond his music, Romeo co-wrote a Broadway musical and collaborated with artists like the Rolling Stones, cementing his impact on global music culture.