THE world of music is in mourning following the death of a Thamesmead musician described as the "high priest of reggae".

Roy Shirley died at his Titmuss Avenue home last week at the age of 64.

He made his musical debut in the 1960s and progressed with the help of Jimmy Cliff and others. His first major hit was Hold Them, also known as Feel Good.

Mr Shirley founded his own Public Records imprint and was rarely out of the Jamaican charts.

He also made a name as a stage artist and was known for his colourful outfits, frenetic energy and crying with sorrow or laughter as part of his act.

His run of hit records came to an end when he moved to the UK in 1973, where he continued to perform and record. He also opened a record shop.

He was a founder of the British Universal Talent Development Association, which offers help to young people to further their education or find jobs.

In the past five years he had been instrumental in setting up projects to lead the young away from violence.