Amidst the anticipation enveloping Gully Bop’s family in the wake of the dancehall entertainer’s passing weeks ago, uncertainty looms over the scheduling of his funeral. Dismissing speculations, Jackie Hunte, the UK-based manager, unequivocally stated that the delay has no connection to financial constraints, emphasizing that the family is neither in need of nor accepting any monetary assistance. The crucial aspect of finalizing the funeral date hinges on the return of Ann Marie Chamberlain, Bop’s sister, currently abroad, whose close relationship with the late artist renders her pivotal in the planning process.
Hunte emphasized the family’s autonomy in orchestrating the arrangements, dispelling any notions of financial hardship. Neko Malcolm, Gully Bop’s son, is actively involved in the preparations, underscoring the familial commitment to honouring the departed artist. In a statement released on Bop’s social media accounts on November 3, the family, represented by Ann Marie Chamberlain and endorsed by Bop’s mother, Miss Norma, and Hunte, explicitly communicated their preference against fundraising initiatives for the funeral expenses.
Gully Bop, born Robert Lee Malcolm, succumbed to kidney-related health challenges on October 31, marking the end of a tumultuous journey from obscurity to stardom and subsequent struggles with financial mismanagement and substance abuse. Hunte, mourning the loss, refuted claims of a kidney transplant attributed to Gully Bop in previous years. The clarification aims to dispel misinformation in the media, offering a more accurate account of the late artist’s medical history.