Jamaican music stars died at age 78
Here are 1 famous musicians from Jamaica died at 78:
John Figueroa
John Figueroa (August 4, 1920 Kingston-March 5, 1999 Milton Keynes) also known as John J Figueroa was a Jamaican writer, poet and teacher.
Figueroa was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and grew up in a family of educators and artists. He attended St. George's College and later earned a scholarship to study at the University of Oxford in England. After completing his studies, he returned to Jamaica and began a career as a teacher.
In addition to his work as an educator, Figueroa was also a prolific writer and poet. He published several collections of poetry and wrote several plays, many of which focused on the struggles of Jamaica's working-class people.
Figueroa was known for his commitment to social justice, and he actively fought against poverty and inequality in Jamaica. In 1944, he founded the Jamaica Welfare Ltd., an organization that provided social services and community development programs to the country's poorest neighborhoods.
In his later years, Figueroa moved to England, where he continued to write and publish his work. He died in 1999 in Milton Keynes, England, at the age of 78. Today, he is remembered as one of Jamaica's most influential poets and social activists.
Figueroa's literary career began with the publication of his first book of poetry, "Songs of the Islands," in 1947. He went on to publish several more collections of poetry, including "Poems in Patois" and "The Worker and Other Poems." His writing often reflected his social and political views, and he was known for his use of Jamaican patois as a means of elevating the language and culture of Jamaica.
In addition to his work as a writer and teacher, Figueroa was also an active member of Jamaica's political scene. He ran as a candidate for the People's National Party in the 1967 general election and served as a senator in the Jamaican Senate from 1972 to 1980.
Figueroa's contributions to Jamaican literature and society have been widely recognized. In 1992, he was awarded the Order of Merit, Jamaica's third-highest honor, for his contributions to literature and community development. Today, his work continues to inspire writers and activists in Jamaica and around the world.
Figueroa's commitment to social justice was evident throughout his life. In addition to founding Jamaica Welfare Ltd., he also worked as a community organizer and was involved in numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Jamaican people. He was a strong advocate for workers' rights and was involved in several labor unions, including the National Workers' Union and the Union of Jamaican Writers and Artists.
In recognition of his contributions to Jamaican literature, Figueroa was also awarded the Jamaica Centenary Medal in 1980. This award was presented to him for his outstanding achievements in the fields of literature, education, and community development.
Figueroa's legacy has had a lasting impact on Jamaican culture and society. His use of patois helped to elevate the language and culture of Jamaica and inspired other writers to express themselves in their native language. His commitment to social justice continues to inspire activists and community leaders to this day.
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