Well-known reggae singer Determine, known for the iconic Kette Drum song, passed away today after a long battle with cancer.

Paula Francis, one of his closest friends and mother of some of the singer’s children, confirmed his passing in a tearful conversation.

“I cannot talk now, but it’s true, he had cancer,” she managed to say between a rain of tears.

Determine was born and raised in Annotto Bay, St Mary.

Most dancehall fans associate Determine (given name: Rohan Bennett) with Kette Drum, the 1995 Nyahbinghi single he did with Beenie Man for producer Bobby Digital.

Kette Drum was Determine’s third song, following Zion Hill and Full Speed (with Terror Fabulous). It remains his signature.