Breaking News: Bunny Mack – One of Africa’s greatest singers, songwriters and musicians has died

Sierra Leone Telegraph: Saturday, 11 July 2015

Bunny Collins and King Masco

Cecil Bunting McCormack – popularly known as Bunny Mack, has this morning sadly passed away peacefully in London after a short illness. (Photo: Left to right – Bunny Mack, Collins Pratt and King Masco). 

Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Bunny rose to global fame after recording a string of dance floor hits.

At the age of six, he began playing the harmonica and penny-whistle, making his first public appearance at age eight. Later, he started playing both the banjo and guitar, and singing in church choirs.

He launched his career in music when he formed a band called The Daverns, along with a group of friends. After taking the stage name Kenny Marson, he joined the band Soundcasters ’66 and went to the UK where their first single was released in 1967.

Two years later “Oh How I Miss Her” was a UK hit. They then relocated to Germany. They performed in Europe for a year, but then split up. He joined a series of groups and in the late 1970’s finally teamed up with The Afro National producer, Akie Deen who also passed away in Freetown, Sierra Leone over a year ago.

Bunny Mack3His second single with Deen “Funny Lady / Discolypso” brought a commercial breakthrough and the follow-up ‘Let Me Love You Forever confirmed success.

In 1981, his first LP “Let Me Love You” became a disco hit which he recorded along with other prolific musicians – Alfred Bannerman, George Lee, Jake Sollo, and Papa Mensah. (Photo: Bunny Mack).

His disco/funk/calypso fusion featured English lyrics to a thumping dance beat and as a result, Bunny Mack was voted musician of the year by Africa Music magazine and received a gold disc for “Let Me Love You”.

In November 2009, American rapper Wale made a remix version of the song that was included on the album Attention Deficit. The song was also featured in the British music Charts.

In 2014, the remix version of the song LET ME LOVE YOU was also featured on Capital Xtra Afro beats Top 10 Music Charts on a new version called “My Sweetie”.

Bunny Mack22Bunny Mack was born Cecil Bunting MacCormack on the 3rd of December 1945 in Freetown. He attended the Buxton Boys School, the Government Model Middle School and the Prince of Wales Secondary School in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Cecil Bunting MacCormack was also deeply passionate about his Freemasonry. He held a London Grand Rank, and was an outstanding mason in the Royal Arch, Mark and Royal Ark Mariner.

Bunny is survived by his wife Vio, his son Kevin, two daughters and several grandchildren. He will be sorely missed across the world.

Rest in perfect peace W.Bro. Cecil Bunting MacCormack – my good friend. May your good work continue in the Grand Lodge above.

9 Comments

  1. I am shocked and sadened by this bad news. I remember Bunny mac from Kingtom Freetown and later saw him several times in Stratford London..He had some great music that we will hear for many many years to come… Bless..

  2. RIP bro BM. Grew up with your songs, “My sweetie, my sugar”, and “I was born with a silver spoon”. Glad to have met you a few times having argued that you were a Nigerian (that you still are – honorary) until we had dinner at the Holiday Inn, Park Lane, London.

    You will surely be missed, so also would your suave style. May the light of God continue to shine on you. Heaven is definitely accepting an angel that you are, and the earth is definitely missing one.

  3. A legend in the Diaspora is gone but would never be forgotten. Bunny will continue to shine in our hearts as a friend, a brother and a star. We love you Bunny though I believe God loves you best. Our condolence to all family members and relations. RIP

  4. I grew up with his music. Was hoping to meet and tell him how much I loved his music until I heard the sad news. My sincere condolences to the McCormack family.

  5. The greatest musician of our times will be surely missed. RIP BM.sincere Condolences to the family and also all Sierra Leoneans. He is legend of music.

  6. Uncle Bunny Mack was a legend. His music was often played at home by our parents. Our sincere condolences to Aunty Vio and the family. May Uncle Bunny Mack rest in peace. His music will live on.

  7. What a sad loss of an artist of immense talent. Bunny was one of our country’s best singers. May he rest in perfect peace. Deepest sympathy to his family.

    • I grew up as a kid listening to Bunny Mack’s ‘my sweetie’. At about 50, I still play this song. Continue to rest on BM

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