Gospel Entertainer Kukudoo Dies at Age 61 After Cancer Battle

Veteran Jamaican gospel artiste David McDermott, widely known as “Kukudoo,” has died at the age of 61 following a battle with cancer.

The entertainer, whose music blended gospel lyrics with dancehall rhythms, reportedly passed away on Friday after months of illness.

Kukudoo rose from humble beginnings in St. Catherine, where he once worked as a machine operator at the Bernard Lodge Sugar Factory. Before entering the music industry professionally, he became well known for performing at traditional Jamaican wakes and Nine Night gatherings, often leaving work to sing at community events.

His breakthrough came unexpectedly when a live performance of his popular song King David — commonly recognized by the line “See people business and leave it alone” — was secretly recorded during one of those events. The recording later circulated across Jamaica on compact discs and quickly gained popularity in taxis, dance halls, and public spaces islandwide.

Following the success of the song, Kukudoo left his factory job and committed fully to music ministry as a gospel performer.

A devoted Christian since 1991, he later produced several other well-known tracks, including Thank You Jesus and the Pole Gospel medley. His energetic delivery and unique fusion of gospel and dancehall earned him a loyal following and made him a familiar figure at Jamaica Labour Party political meetings and rallies.

Kukudoo remained one of Jamaica’s most recognizable gospel entertainers, celebrated for bringing spiritual messages to mainstream audiences through a distinctly Jamaican sound.

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