Actor and reggae musician Ras Ajai, born Brian Todd Boucher, has died after a shooting in St. Catherine, Jamaica. He was 47.
Ras Ajai, who portrayed Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) political enforcer Claudie Massop in the 2024 biographical film Bob Marley: One Love, was reportedly shot in the Waterford area of St. Catherine on Saturday, August 1.
According to reports, he was walking along a street with another individual when armed men travelling in a vehicle allegedly opened fire on them. One of the attackers reportedly exited the vehicle and shot both victims multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Ras Ajai was rushed to Spanish Town General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The second victim sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. Police in St. Catherine South have launched an investigation into the incident.
The late entertainer attended the Jamaican premiere of Bob Marley: One Love, where he was photographed alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their visit to the Caribbean nation.
Raised by his adoptive family in Waterford, Ras Ajai built a reputation in Jamaica’s music scene with his self-described “ghetto gospel” style. He gained widespread recognition in 2012 with his breakthrough single Pack Up Yuh Tings before releasing one of his most popular songs, Smoking Loud, in 2017.
In 2024, he made his acting debut in Bob Marley: One Love, portraying Claudie Massop, the former political enforcer who later became a key figure in Jamaica’s peace movement and played a significant role in encouraging Bob Marley to return to the country for the historic One Love Peace Concert in 1978.
Following news of his death, tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues and admirers, who remembered him for his contributions to both music and film.