San Juan, Puerto Rico | By Michael Wandati | Peter Anthony Morgan, the lead vocalist of the renowned reggae group Morgan Heritage, which he co-founded with four siblings, passed away at the age of 47, as confirmed by his family on Sunday 25, February 2024.
The family, expressing gratitude for love and support, requested privacy in their statement posted on social media, which did not disclose the cause of his death.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed sorrow on the X social media platform, describing Morgan’s demise as a significant loss for both Jamaica and the reggae music community.
Fondly known as “Peetah,” Peter Anthony Morgan was the son of the esteemed Jamaican reggae singer Denroy Morgan, he was one of over twenty children. Morgan Heritage, formed in 1994 by Peter and his siblings, achieved a milestone by winning a Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2015 with “Strictly Roots.”
Peter Morgan leaves behind a rich legacy in the music industry.
Peter Morgan was in Uganda last year with the Grammy award-winning reggae band to promote their album, The Homeland.
Morgan Heritage was also in Uganda in 2017 for a concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
The show was made possible by reggae star Tshaka Mayanja – now Jazz Safari – a man who has variously been stopped by fans of Morgan Heritage wondering if Peetah was in the country again because their size and style make for a doppelganger.
And while the two visits endeared them to their fans, Uganda will remember Peetah and his siblings more for bridging Jose Chameleone and Eddy Kenzo in The Homeland album.
The album, Memmalatel “Mr Mojo” Morgan told Ugandan fans at a Listeners’ Party in Kisementi last year, preaches unity and forgiveness, citing the first track, Bambulele.
The song is a call to Africans at home and abroad to stand together to protect our motherland Africa “because we can’t allow her to suffer any longer at the hands of wrong people and evildoers.”
Like many international musicians who come to Uganda – yes, the male ones at least – Morgan Heritage got enamoured with the country during their first visit.
“We believe it’s because of the abundant natural resources, fertile soils, rich wildlife, and good people, is the reason why Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa and we couldn’t talk, rather dedicate the album to Africa and forget Uganda,” Mojo explained of their decision to feature Chameleone and Kenzo.
Morgan Heritage began touring in the early 1990s. Their first album, Miracle, was released on the MCA Records in 1994, according to VP Records, a reggae label that released several of the band’s other albums.
In 2018, Peter’s brother, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, ventured to Tennessee with the aim of introducing reggae to Nashville, drawing parallels between reggae and country music as storytelling genres.
Morgan Heritage’s journey was marked by significant milestones, including their Grammy Award-winning album ‘Strictly Roots’ in 2015. Their subsequent work, such as the nominated album ‘Avrakedabra’ in 2018, further solidified their status as reggae icons.
Throughout their career, Morgan’s vocals resonated with audiences worldwide, from timeless classics like ‘Don’t Haffi Dread (To Be Rasta)’ to soulful melodies like ‘Down by the River’ and ‘She’s Still Loving Me.’ His influence on reggae music is profound and enduring.
Morgan Heritage band: A legacy of reggae excellence
Founded in 1994, Morgan Heritage, a two-time Grammy Award-winning reggae band, originated in Brooklyn, New York, before returning to their Jamaican roots following the success of their debut album, “Miracle.”
The band, formed by the five Morgan siblings and sons of reggae musician Denroy Morgan, is aptly named Morgan Heritage. The five members include:
- Peter “Peetah” Morgan (vocals)
- Una Morgan (vocals and keyboard)
- Roy “Gramps” Morgan (vocals and keyboard)
- Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan (rhythm guitar)
- Memmalatel “Mr Mojo” Morgan (vocals and percussion)
Peter Anthony Morgan, the lead singer, passed away at the age of 47, leaving the band with four members. Una Morgan, often dubbed the ‘first lady’ of Morgan Heritage, and Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan have been inactive in the band for some time.
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Despite individual pursuits, such as Roy “Gramps” Morgan’s solo album, ‘Two Sides of My Heart,’ and his role as the CEO of Dada Son Entertainment, the band continued to make an impact.
Morgan Heritage’s journey includes numerous tours and the release of multiple reggae albums. In 2019, they performed in Kenya at the Tomorrow Leaders Festival alongside local and African artists like Naiboi, Wyre, Yemi Alade, and Diamond Platnumz.
One of their significant achievements came in 2016 when their album ‘Strictly Roots’ won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. Other notable albums include ‘Full Circle,’ featuring artists like Damian Marley and Sizzla, and ‘Avrakedabra,’ nominated for a Grammy in 2018.
Their impressive discography includes hit songs like Loyalty, Hallelujah (featuring Bongo musician Diamond Platnumz), A Man is Still A Man, You Don’t Haffi Dread, Gun Town, She’s Still Loving Me, Down By The River, and many more.
Denroy Morgan, the father of the band members, has released four reggae albums. The Morgan siblings, often hailed as the ‘Royal Family of Reggae,’ are celebrated for continuing their father’s legacy, making a lasting impact on the reggae music scene.
