The Jamaican music industry is mourning the loss of dancehall and reggae artist Determine, born Rohan Bennett, who passed away on February 13, 2025 after a long battle with a terminal illness. He was 52 years old.
Determine, who hails from Annotto Bay St. Mary, rose to prominence in the 1990s, earning recognition for his unique vocal style and deeply conscious lyrics. His early work on Jamaica’s sound system circuit laid the foundation for a career that would see him collaborating with some of reggae and dancehall’s most celebrated figures.
His breakout moment came in 1995, when he was awarded the Rockers Award for Best New DJ. Soon after, he released a string of impactful singles, including “Burn Up,” “Dem No Know Love,” and “Bulls Eye Part Two” with Brian and Tony Gold. However, one of his most defining tracks was “Kette Drum,” a collaboration with Beenie Man produced by Bobby Digital. The track played a pivotal role in reintroducing Nyahbingi drumming to mainstream reggae, sparking a wave of similar productions featuring artists like Shabba Ranks, Cocoa Tea, Bounty Killer, and Garnett Silk.
Throughout his career, Determine continued to make waves in dancehall and roots reggae, contributing to the revival of Bob Marley rhythms in the 1990s. His track “Heathen Chant”, produced by Barry O’Hare, cemented his reputation as an artist with a strong spiritual and cultural message. Other notable hits include “No One Cares” (with Yogie), “What Dem A Tink” (with Turbo Belly), “Welcome Shaka Zulu,” “I Shall Not,” “Born Pressurizer,” “Nuh Duh Nuttin,” “Wuk Out Yu Body,” and “If A Nevah Jah.”
He leaves several children, among them is reggae artist Runkus, who told The Gleaner back in 2015, “Everyone knows my father Determine. Being a musician’s son is a blessing and a curse, because people always have certain expectations. I am Determine’s son, but I am also Paula’s son.” Determine shares a total of three children with Paula Francis who is an artist manager.
Determine’s 1996 album Rock The World which featured Kette Drum and Ho La La was released by VP Records.
