The reggae community is in mourning following the unexpected death of Jamaican/Canadian singer and producer Lazah Current, known in everyday life as Hal Duggan. He passed away at his home in Jamaica on March 4, 2026, after returning to his roots to focus on his solo career.
Lazah Current was a former member of Messenjah, a renowned Canadian reggae band that won a Juno Award. He moved to Toronto in 1975, where he became deeply involved in the music scene. His journey began long before his rise to fame, rooted in a childhood friendship with George Vassell O’Gilvie, who reminisced about their early days together in school.
“Hal and I grew up together,” O’Gilvie recalled. “We attended pre-school, primary, and high school together. Although I moved to Montreal and he went to Toronto, our bond remained strong.” Their friendly rivalry in track and field became a cherished memory, but it was Lazah’s exceptional singing talent that truly set him apart.
After the dissolution of Messenjah, Lazah embarked on a solo career that saw him reconnect with O’Gilvie years later. Their collaboration resulted in the acclaimed album Betta Tomorrow in 2011, produced by a team that included O’Gilvie’s DJT group and Sunlight Production. The album featured music videos shot in both Poughkeepsie and Kingston, symbolizing the connection between his North American and Caribbean influences.
Throughout his career, Lazah remained dedicated to roots reggae, even as musical trends evolved. O’Gilvie noted, “Lazah Current is a real roots man. His lyrics were always positive and uplifting.” One of his final songs, “AI,” addressed the impact of technology on daily life, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to music. Just days before his passing, he was set to discuss this single in an interview.
Beyond his musical contributions, Lazah was committed to community service, supporting initiatives like Friends of Porus and Give Back Jamaica. His performance at the Porus Community Center Homecoming event in 2024 highlighted his dedication to uplifting his community. O’Gilvie emphasized that Lazah’s legacy goes beyond his music, encouraging fans to keep hope alive and remember his positive message.
