Drummie Zeb, lead singer of UK reggae band Aswad, dies aged 62

Musician Angus “Drummie Zeb” Gaye, the lead vocalist and drummer for the British reggae band Aswad, has died aged 62, according to a statement.

“It is with deepest regret and profound loss that we have to announce the passing of our brother Angus ‘Drummie’ Gaye,” the band said. “Drummie has left us to join our ancestors and leaves a huge void both personally and professionally.”

Aswad, the trio of Angus Gaye, Brinsley Forde and Tony Robinson, were the first reggae band in the UK signed to an international label, Island Records, in the 1970s, and swiftly became a classic British reggae act creating 15 albums in two decades.

Beloved for international hits Don’t Turn Around and Give A Little Love, Aswad also contributed to the Free Nelson Mandela campaign with their chart hit Set Them Free, according to their management, Spaine Music.

“Aswad are still very relevant in the 21st century as can be seen by the many festivals they appear on both in the UK and around the world,” Spaine Music said.

“Aswad, after more than 25 years, are still the purveyors of the UK reggae scene and will continue to be way into the next millennium.”

Born to Grenadian parents in London, Gaye was a former pupil at Holland Park school, according to the Mirror.

Described as “much loved and respected” by his family, friends and peers, the band said further information would be given in due course, and asked for privacy for Gaye’s family and the band at this “heartbreaking time”.

In a tribute online, the former UB40 frontman Ali Campbell said: “Very sad to hear the passing of Aswad’s Drummie Zeb. We’ve lost another UK Reggae pioneer. Deepest condolences go out to all of the Aswad family.”

Fans also shared tributes online. One person recalled an encounter with Gaye in Gibraltar, describing the musician as a gentleman, “to no surprise”. Another, who said they were an old schoolfriend from Holland Park, said: “It was an honour to have known you. When I talk to my friends about music, I always mention you & your music,” they wrote.

The cause of death is unknown.