Major Mackerel, Icon, Legend, Survivor of another health scare

(ReggaeVibeMedia.com) – Veteran dancehall legend Major Mackerel—born Garfield Dixon—has endured more than most. Famed in the 1980s for high-pitched yelps and hallmark hits like “Pretty Looks Done”, “Cow Cod”, and “Don Man”, he has faced violence, health crises, and loss, yet his voice remains unbroken. After surviving an assault with a samurai sword nearly a decade ago and undergoing the amputation of part of his leg following a health battle, he was hospitalized again, this time grappling with two strokes in back to back. Now, as community benefit events mobilize to help, his resilience and musical spirit continue to inspire, broadcasting a message of survival across generations.

Major Mackerel first made waves in the late 1970s and 1980s with his flamboyant performance style—squeals, yelps, and bravado. One harrowing incident nearly silenced him: a jealous husband attacked him with a two-foot samurai sword outside his home, leaving significant wounds to his head and hand. Despite this, his stage persona only grew stronger, and his music reached wider audiences.

In late August 2020, after battling a debilitating illness, Major Mackerel underwent emergency surgery to amputate part of his leg. Ever the jokester, he rallied fans when he quipped that “it’s better to lose a leg than lose an icon.” His upbeat spirit was clear even during recovery. Just a year later, he was hospitalized again—this time battling an unspecified illness that triggered further concern, though he ultimately recovered.

More recently, Major Mackerel himself revealed that he had suffered two strokes in rapid succession. The news spurred outpourings of love and solidarity, with benefit shows organized to support his recovery and medical needs. Despite these major challenges, his legacy has not only endured—it’s spurred collective action.

Major Mackerel’s distinct style—the yelps, the comedic flair, and defiance in the face of hardship—have secured his place in dancehall history books. Fellow artists, fans, and event promoters have rallied to honor that legacy through benefit events and charitable outreach. As he rebuilds, the music community stands beside him, turning each lyric-heavy memory into a lifeline.