THE local music fraternity was thrown into mourning following the death of well-known contemporary musician Osley “Spida” Hopkinson.

He reportedly passed away shortly after midday on Tuesday following a period of illness at the Linden Hospital. Spida was an excellent drummer, keyboard player, guitarist, composer, singer and producer.

He hails from Linden and worked with several overseas artistes and sang a few songs himself such as ‘Party time’ and ‘We ain’t going home’

On Facebook several local artistes, including Bonny Alves, Michelle King, Diana Chapman and others expressed sadness at his passing and reminisced on his work as a producer and singer.