Reggae icon Fantan Mojah, born Owen Moncrieffe, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the age of 49, just three weeks before he was to celebrate his 50th birthday. The singer died at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, after suffering complications related to his heart.
Final Days and Health Decline
According to his booking agent, Vertex, who confirmed the news to the Jamaica Observer, Mojah had recently returned from a trip to the United States and initially appeared hearty. However, over the past week, his condition deteriorated. “Since he came back from the United States, he was hearty, but over the past week, he started to 'take down', and he was admitted to the UHWI. Last night, he was vomiting blood, and that was it. He passed away,” Vertex stated.
Reports indicate that in the days before his death, Mojah could not exert himself and was deteriorating rapidly while staying with friends. Despite his health struggles, he was preparing to return to the international stage with a scheduled performance at the Reggae Jam Festival in Germany. Schengen visas for the trip had recently been approved.
Previous Health Issues
Mojah had faced significant health challenges in recent years. In July 2024, he was hospitalized in Martinique after experiencing breathing difficulties and chest tightness. At that time, it was reported that his heart was functioning at only 15% capacity. By early 2025, he appeared to have recovered and resumed touring in Europe.
Career and Musical Legacy
Fantan Mojah, known for his spiritually charged reggae songs, rose to fame after a chance encounter with Joe Bogdanovich, chief of Downsound Records. Mojah was working as a window cleaner when they met. “We got into a conversation that ended up with me recording him, and I made some really, really big records with him,” Bogdanovich recalled.
This meeting led to Mojah's 2005 breakthrough album Hail the King. He left the label later that year, beginning an on-and-off relationship with Bogdanovich. Subsequently, he recorded Stronger and his most famous track, Rasta Got Soul, which celebrated Rastafarian spirituality and cultural roots.
Tributes and Fan Reactions
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from fans worldwide. One fan wrote on Facebook: “Give thanks for the life of a true brother, a gifted musician, and a true warrior. Jah knows best. Your musical contribution can never be erased, and Your works will continue to speak. May the Most High grant strength and comfort to your family, friends, and fans. Rest in Power, Fantan Mojah.”
Another added: “Today is another crazy sad day because the Jamaican singer Owen Lennox Moncrieffe, better known in the world as Fantan Mojah has passed yesterday. There's no peace for all reggae fans around the world. My very deep condolences to his family, friends and all fans around the world...”
A third fan expressed grief: “The news I never wanted to wake up to: Fantan Mojah has passed away. After DJ Marocaan, mi lose another friend and brethren… Words cyaan explain di pain. Mi heart heavy. That you too, Fantan, never get fi see your 50th birthday… only di Almighty know why...Di memories will live on forever. Rest in Power, King.”
A fourth tribute read: “Rest in Power, Fantan Mojah...His music carried messages of faith, righteousness, and African consciousness, inspiring reggae lovers around the world. His legacy will continue to live on through his timeless songs and unwavering commitment to positive music. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, fellow artists, and fans across the globe.”
