'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Musician Michael Ibo Cooper recently passed away on October 12, 2023, at the age of 71. Cooper's cause of death has not been revealed until now. He was popularly known as the founding member of the Jamaican reggae band Inner Circle. He was married to Althea Joy Atkinson Cooper and was the father of four children: Arif, Arianne, Akiri, and Abean.
The Star states that Ibo's family also confirmed the news of his death in a statement. It reads:
"Renowned musician and educator Kingsley Michael 'Ibo' Cooper died peacefully earlier this evening after a brief illness. Ibo's contribution to music and culture was immeasurable. His children remember him as a remarkable human being with a magnanimous spirit and children."
Reggae band Steel Pulse also paid tribute to Cooper on Facebook, sharing the memories they had with him. The post stated:
"It was less than a year ago I sat and had dinner with Ibo, at an after-party hosted by record producer Mikey Bennett, celebrating the life of another legendary icon keyboard player, Tyrone Downie. Ibo was his usual always smiling self with a calm demeanour."
The post described Ibo as "one of the most talented keyboard players Jamaica has ever had."
Michael Ibo Cooper was the father of four children
Michael Ibo Cooper always kept his personal life away from the spotlight. However, he had four children and was married to Althea Joy Atkinson Cooper for a long time. Michael's wife passed away a few weeks ago before his death.
Government official Olivia Grange also paid tribute to Joy through Instagram on September 29 and wrote:
"I am saddened to learn of the passing of Althea Joy Atkinson Cooper, Ibo Cooper's wife and the mother of the later Arif Cooper. This has been a very trying year for Ibo and his family, and my heart goes out to him and their children, Arianne, Abean and Akiri."
There are no details available on the current profession of Michael Ibo Cooper's children. However, his son, Arif Cooper, passed away on March 5, 2023. The Jamaica Observer states that he reportedly collapsed while he was working at a party organized at the Police Officers Club in St. Andrew.
Arif reportedly pursued his career as a DJ during the 1990s and worked as a producer and writer for Sean Paul and Beenie Man.
Michael Ibo Cooper was known for his work with Inner Circle and Third World
Michael Ibo Cooper gained recognition over the years for his work as a reggae musician. He was one of the founders of the reggae fusion band Third World, which was established in 1973.
The current members of Third World include Stephen "Cat" Coore, Richard Daley, Tony "Ruption" Williams, Norris "Noriega" Webb, and AJ Brown. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1976, and their latest album, More Work to Be Done, came out in 2019.
He was a keyboardist for the reggae band Inner Circle from 1968 to 1973. The group released a total of 22 albums over the years. They also gained recognition for their singles, including Duppy Gunman, Jah Music, and We a Rockers.
