The reggae world suffered two painful losses in 2020 with
the passing of Albert “Apple Gabriel” Craig, co‑founder of the iconic group Israel
Vibration, and Nigerian reggae star Majek Fashek, one of Africa’s most influential musical voices.
Their contributions shaped generations of listeners across
continents, and their stories remain powerful reminders of resilience,
creativity, and cultural impact.
Apple Gabriel: A Voice of Strength and Suffering
Albert “Apple Gabriel” Craig passed away on March 23, 2020, as reported by Reggaeville.com. According to Roots Radics’ Flabba Holt, his death was caused by “compilation sickness, not Covid‑19.”
Apple Gabriel lived with the effects of childhood polio, a
condition that shaped both his physical life and his artistic identity. Reports
over the years described periods of poor health and unstable living conditions.
His final Facebook post on March 7th mentioned a stroke that
left one side of his body numb and hinted at the hardship he was facing shortly
before his passing.
Despite these struggles, Apple Gabriel’s musical journey was
extraordinary. After leaving Israel Vibration in 1997, he launched a promising
solo career.
His debut album “Another Moses” (1999) received warm
acclaim, and he collaborated with respected artists such as Groundation and
Jahcoustix. His 2010 album “Teach Them Right” remains a testament to his
lyrical depth and vocal power.
Indeed, many of Israel Vibration’s most beloved songs, We A
De Rasta, Why You So Craven, Oh Jah Solid Rock, Mud Up, Rude Boy Shuffling,
Friday Evening, and Walk The Streets of Glory, were born from Apple Gabriel’s
pen.
Fittingly, he passed away on the same date he released his
first solo album 21 years earlier, a poetic closing to a life marked by both
suffering and brilliance.
Majek Fashek: Nigeria’s Reggae Prophet
In another heartbreaking loss, Nigerian reggae icon Majek
Fashek died at age 57. His manager, Omenka Uzoma, confirmed to the BBC that
Fashek passed away in his sleep in New York.
Born in 1963 in Benin City, Fashek rose to prominence with
his 1988 debut album “Prisoner of Conscience,” featuring the award‑winning
hit “Send Down the Rain.” His
soaring, quivering voice drew comparisons to Bob Marley, and his music carried
a message of spiritual upliftment and social justice.
His 1989 track “Free Africa, Free Mandela” cemented his
reputation as a politically conscious artist. In 1991, he achieved rare
crossover success in the United States after signing with Interscope Records
and releasing “Spirit of Love,” produced by Little Steven Van Zandt. The album
included his international hit “So Long Too Long,” an anthem urging Africans
and Americans alike to rise and work toward unity.
Fashek’s influence extended far beyond reggae. In 2016, he
contributed the song “We Are Not Afraid” to a global fundraiser supporting
victims of political and religious violence. The project featured more than 200
artists, including Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, Yoko Ono, Sting, Patti
Smith, and Robert DeNiro.
At the time of his passing, the cause of death had not been
released. Nigerian superstar Burna Boy honored him, saying the lyrics of “So
Long Too Long” remain a wake‑up call for Africans today.
A Legacy That Lives On
Apple Gabriel and Majek Fashek came from different worlds, Jamaica
and Nigeria, yet their music carried the same spirit of resistance, hope, and
cultural pride. Their voices shaped reggae’s global identity, and their stories
continue to inspire musicians and fans across generations.
Their journeys were not easy, but their legacies are
undeniable. Their music lives on, and the world remembers them.