Voice Mail Singer Dead At 36
CaribWorldNews, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Fri. May 28, 2010: Jamaican-born singer, O`Neil Edwards of the group Voice Mail, has succumbed to injuries suffered from gunshot wounds.
Edwards passed away at the age of 36 yesterday, days after being shot by gunmen outside his home on May 10, 2010.
Edwards will long be remembered for the song: `Mr. Wacky is gone but his dancing lives on.` Edwards followed in the footsteps of his father, well-known Jamaican recording artiste and producer Rupee Edwards.
Edwards joined with his neighborhood friends, Jerome `Craig `Jackson, Kevin Blaire, Robert Manning and Leonardo Grant to form a multi-talented group of singers in 1999, giving the world the brand new group, Voicemail.
One hit after the other, with popularity rising, Voicemail became highly sought after on the dancehall scene. The group became a trio - Craig, Kevin and O`Neil. Although Edward`s deep and distinct baritone was sure to provoke loud screams, the trio was known for their seamlessly interlaced voices. Their mantra was one sound, one distinctive look, a group that moved in unison and sang in harmony.
This complete image, professional demeanor and focused outlook did not happen by accident. The standards were maintained through O`Neil`s management style. It was he who administered the group`s business. While the other`s trained, O`Neil toiled. He made the deals and confirmed the bookings, planned the tours, coordinated the recordings and thought through the promotions. He was the foundation upon which Voicemail was built.
He is survived by five sisters and four brothers. Yesterday, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) joined with the entertainment fraternity joined in mourning Edwards.
As we try to rid Jamaica of unsavoury persons, let`s be committed in the fight against crime and live as one and be our brother`s keeper,` the group said in a statement.
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