The dancehall community is mourning the loss of veteran deejay Danny English, who reportedly passed away on Thursday, January 23, at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). He was 54 years old.
Reports suggest he died due to complications associated with diabetes.
English, born Donald Cox, was best known for his 2002 hit single “Party Time” alongside Egg Nog, which sampled the popular “Diwali Riddim” produced by Steven “Lenky” Marsden. The song became a massive hit, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 chart and cementing English’s place in dancehall history.
English’s distinctive deep, gravelly voice set him apart from other artists, and he went on to collaborate with Egg Nog on several other tracks, including “Steppin’ In Da Club”, “She’s So Fine”, and “Wine Baby Wine”.
In a 2022 interview with DancehallMag, English revealed that he had been living with diabetes for five years, but stated that it didn’t affect his work in the studio.
“Mi not even a feel any pain, is just that I can’t really walk right now but when they get out this inflammation all will be good again,” he said at the time.
Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to pay tribute to English, praising his kind heart and generous spirit. One fan recalled that English would often give rides to young music fans walking home from parties at night.
English is survived by his 23 children, including 15 sons and eight daughters.
