Stanley “Barnabas” Bryan, one of the important figures in the evolution of reggae music, passed away on August 18, 2025. As sound engineer at the legendary Channel One Recording Studio, located at 29 Maxfield Avenue in Kingston, Jamaica, Barnabas played a pivotal role in crafting the sonic identity of countless reggae classics. Working alongside chief engineer and co-owner Ernest Hookim, he helped define an era of sound that continues to resonate across generations.

Renowned for his technical mastery and intuitive musicality, Barnabas became an indispensable collaborator to reggae luminaries such as Gregory Isaacs, King Tubby, Scientist, and Leroy Smart. Whether seated at the mixing console or behind a drum kit, his touch brought clarity, depth, and groove to every recording. watched a lot of drummers, especially Sly Dunbar, learning and practicing in the studio. One day Sly gave him a drum set and the rest is history.

His contributions span decades, with standout work on seminal dub albums like Universal Dub, King’s Dub and Three The Hard Way. As a musician, he lent his rhythmic genius to groups including Jah Stone, New Breed, and Sis Bee, and left an indelible mark as the deejay Ranking Barnabas on tracks with Gregory Isaacs such as How Can I Change My Mind, I Will Never Love Again and Tumbling Tears.

Outside the studio, Barnabas was a mentor and cultural steward, deeply committed to the roots and spirit of reggae. His signature drumming style, often described as “control balance groove”, was more than technique; it was a philosophy of riddim that shaped the heartbeat of the genre and inspired countless musicians to follow in his footsteps.

Stanley “Barnabas” Bryan’s passing marks the close of a chapter in reggae history, but his influence will continue to echo in every bassline, every snare hit, and every dubplate spun in tribute. He is survived by the music he helped create and the countless fans he touched through it.