Two-time Grammy-winning dancehall artiste, Shabba Ranks, and much of the dancehall community is mourning the death of his mother, Constance Christie, popularly known as ‘Mama Christie’.
The 81-year-old mother of seven passed away on Tuesday, but the circumstances which lead to her death have not yet been publicly revealed.
Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, was among those that sent condolences to Shabba Ranks and his family.
“She was someone I knew very well. To hear of her passing is devastating,” said Grange in a statement.
Grange along with Clifton “Specialist” Dillion managed Shabba Ranks for many years and brought him to international stardom.
“Shabba would talk about ‘Mama Christie’ at every opportunity he got. She was a beautiful soul who supported her son in all his endeavours. She was his biggest cheerleader. In fact, it was Shabba’s public display of love and affection that led to so many younger artistes singing about their mothers,” Grange said.
Minister Grange also noted that the deejay would never grace a stage without paying respect to his mom.
Several dancehall artists also paid tribute to Mama Christie. Bounty Killa and Beenie Man were among those who sent their condolences to the deejay.
Dancehall artiste Dexta Daps, who years ago had paid tribute to Mama Christie with his hit song, ‘Shabba Madda Pot’, said he was heartbroken at the news. Christie was known as a “mother to all” in the community of Seaview Gardens, Kingston, where Dexta Daps was raised.
