Renowned Rastafarian singer Determine, best known for his 1995 hit Kette Drum with Beenie Man, has died at age 52 following a prolonged battle with stomach cancer. The artist, born Rohan Bennett in Annotto Bay, St. Mary, passed away on Thursday, February 13, leaving behind a legacy of spiritually uplifting music that resonated with reggae and dancehall fans worldwide. His longtime manager and the mother of three of his children, Paula Francis, confirmed his passing, stating, “I cannot talk now, but it’s true, he died of cancer,” as she fought back tears.
Determine emerged in the mid-1990s, capturing attention with his conscious lyrics and Nyabinghi-infused sound. His signature track, Kette Drum, produced by the legendary Bobby Digital, became an anthem on the reggae scene and was part of a groundbreaking rhythm that also featured hits like Buju Banton’s ‘Til I’m Laid to Rest and Bounty Killer’s Seek God. Before Kette Drum, Determine released Zion Hill and Full Speed (with Terror Fabulous), further cementing his reputation as a rising star in the genre. Over the years, he added tracks like Searching and Mi Go Through Dat to his catalogue, maintaining his commitment to messages of resilience and faith.
In addition to his contributions to reggae, Determine’s legacy lives on through his children, including his son, Runkus, who started recording music at the tender age of seven and has carved out his own niche in the industry. While Determine may not have achieved the commercial success of some of his contemporaries, his influence remains undeniable. His work reflected the cultural and spiritual essence of Rastafari, and his music continues to be streamed by thousands of listeners globally. On Spotify, Kette Drum remains his most popular track, with steady streaming numbers that speak to its lasting impact.
As the reggae community mourns his loss, Determine’s music and message endure, reminding fans of the power of conscious lyrics and the unwavering spirit of Rastafari.
