Jan. 25, 2017 – Kingston, JA – The Wailers family is saddened to hear of the passing of our brother Ronald “Nambo” Robinson. It came as a surprise to the world. It’s reported that 67-year-old Nambo passed away peacefully at his home early this morning.
A proficient singer, producer, and percussionist, trombonist Nambo was inspired by the horn sounds of the Skatalites and Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, of which he was a member. As a founding member of the incomparable 809 Band, Nambo joined forces with long time bredren Dean Fraser on sax and Chico Chin on trumpet, to become the unforgettable Rass Brass. The 809 Band recorded, toured with, and backed up the greatest names in Reggae’s iconic 80s and 90s music scene, including The Wailers, Sly & Robbie’s Taxi Gang, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, and Jimmy Cliff, to name a few. A solid dependable staple, 809 was the go to band for marathon festivals, such as Sunsplash, in Jamaica and abroad. They set the bar for backing bands that stands unmatched today.
Nambo’s unforgettable smile would light up a room
When you needed the best trombonist, you went to Nambo. He is featured on Bob Marley & The Wailers Survival and Confrontation LPs, playing on hits “Survival,” “Buffalo Soldier,” and “Trench Town Rock.” From late 2000, Nambo was a part of The Wailers band, led by his friend Aston “Familyman” Barrett, touring on and off for more than a decade.
In 2014, producer and friend Copeland Forbes brought the 809 Band together for a well-received reunion performance at the Jazz & Blues Festival in Montego Bay. The last time Nambo performed with 809 before this memorable event was the landmark Japansplash in 1995.
The world 
will miss his inimitable smile, his black outfits topped by that classic black bowler, and his colorful, authentic love of African attire and culture. Nambo will be remembered as a true Rootsman, and will be sorely missed by the musical fraternity and his fans worldwide.
The Wailers family sends its love and condolences to Nambo’s wife and children, his family, friends, colleagues, and world of fans. His contribution to the development, growth, style, and professionalism of Reggae music will live on in his countless recordings, performances, photographs, and videos.
Video: Nambo at Redbones with Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, Kingston JA
Here’s a link to Nambo’s own Bio page with great stories, video, and photos. http://namborobinson.weebly.com
By M. Peggy Quattro
