Popular gospel singer, ‘Kukudoo’, is dead. He was 61.
‘Kukudoo’, who’s registered name at birth was David McDermott, is understood to have lost his battle with cancer, on Friday.
A former machine operator at Bernard Lodge Sugar Factory in St. Catherine, ‘Kukudoo’ started his career singing at wakes, popularly referred to as ‘Dead Yard’ or ‘Nine Night’. He said he often stole away from work at the sugar factory to perform at these events.
His career took off after a performance of the song, ‘King David’, also known as ‘See people business and leave it alone’, at a wake, was recorded without his knowledge.
That recording was placed on a CD and was soon being played continuously in taxis and even in dance halls across the island.
With the song an underground hit, ‘Kukudoo’ quit his day job and immersed himself into a new career as gospel artiste.
A Christian since 1991, ‘Kukudoo’ had more hits including Thank You Jesus and the Pole Gospel medley.
His music was strictly gospel with a distinct dancehall flavour. It was a style that captivated audiences and made him a staple at political rallies put on by the Jamaica Labour Party, JLP.
One of his more recent local performances was at the JLP’s mass rally in Half Way Tree, St. Andrew in August 2025, where the prime minister announced September 3 as the date for the general election.
Meanwhile, Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange says Kukudoo passed away at hospital.
Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Culture.
Posting on his Instagram account, Kukudoo’s family asked for grace and privacy during their time of bereavement.
