Bahamian R&B singer Jonathan ‘Johnny’ Kemp, internationally known for the 1988 party anthem “Just Got Paid,” died last week in Jamaica.

Kemp, 55, is believed to have drowned at a beach in Montego Bay on Thursday.

According to Jamaican police, Kemp was scheduled to perform on the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise, but he never boarded that ship.

Kemp’s wife flew to Jamaica last Friday to identify the body. She and her family assured the general public that following the police of the investigation of his death, a detailed statement will be issued to members of the press.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement yesterday extended its condolences to Kemp’s family and provided details surrounding the discovery of his body.

That statement read that Alveta Knight, Bahamas Honorary Consul in Jamaica was notified by the Royal Jamaican Police Force that a fully clothed but unresponsive man was recovered by the Jamaican Maritime Police in the waters off One Man Beach, Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, Jamaica in the Parish of St. James.

Identification in the clothing revealed the name Jonathan Kemp in a Bahamian passport.
The honorary consul was asked by the next of kin to assist with the formalities in Jamaica associated with the discovery and death.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

Upon completion of the requisite formalities, the body will be released to his family who will advise as to funeral and burial arrangements.

The honorary consul continues to assist and will provide support as and when needed.

“Just Got Paid” was a No. 1 hit on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart and earned Kemp a Grammy nomination. Boy band ‘NSYNC covered the song in the 2000 album, “No Strings Attached.”