resilience

Veteran dancehall icon Major Mackerel, known for his wild vocal stylings and defining hits of the 1980s, has survived a gauntlet of crises—from a violent samurai sword attack to a devastating leg amputation caused by illness. Most recently, he suffered two strokes in quick succession. Despite these hardships, he remains a revered figure in reggae, buoyed by humor, courage, and the support of the music community. Fundraisers and benefit concerts have emerged to aid his recovery and celebrate his enduring influence, proving that legends don’t go silent—they just find new ways to roar.