Obituary of Ouda Michael HEWITT

Shabuungo Ouda Ouda 
(Mikey)
December 11, 1963 – Seaforth St. Thomas, Jamaica  
July 23, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Shabuungo Ouda Ouda (Mikey) was born in Seaforth, St. Thomas, Jamaica on December 11, 1963. His father was Winston Hewitt who was a fisherman and his mother, Linette Chambers a singer and dancer by nature.

Ras Ouda Ouda hailed from the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica to the flat lands of Portmore, St. Catherine where Mother Nature started taking its course in guiding this charismatic and charming individual towards the music industry. In 1980 he started a dance group that would call themselves the ‘Khaki Rebels’ and performed on Jamaica’s JBC Television program “Where It’s At”, produced by one of Jamaica’s renowned producers, Alfonso Walker. The group was also fortunate to perform with artists such as Jah B and Bunny Wailer on the first Reggae Youth Conscious Show at the National Stadium.

While performing at such hotels as Oceana Wyndham, New Kingston, Margons Harbour and La Boose Restaurant, employees and guests suggested he move full force into the music business saying that ‘Ouda Ouda naturally moves people in a positive way!’
Ouda developed his skills by listening to the elders in the business, such as the late great Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Don Carlos, Sugar Minott, The Great Daddy U-Roy, Brigadier Jerry, Jose Wails, Supercat, Dennis Brown and Professor Nuts. All these individuals have inspired him and paved the way.

In 1992 he auditioned for one of the pioneers in the industry, Derrick Harriott who thought that Ouda had a unique way of saying things over rhythms. This brought him to voice on the classic hit track of the 1960’s “The Loser”. He later recorded his first single with Crystal Label Recordings. The title of the song was “Chuups” a combination with Harriott himself. They recorded a couple more tracks such as “Mi Nuh Trust People”, “Skin to Skin” and “Hard Core MC”. Some of these songs were released in England, the United States and did very well in Japan.

While spending time with Crystal Records, he had the privilege of performing at Sting and Reggae Sun Splash in 1993. Later working with producers such as Jr. Finder from 7-17 Marshall Label, he voiced and released songs such as “Word Sounds” and “Power”. Later that year he recorded “Reggae Music Inna Mi Head” with Bigfoot Productions and Star Trail crew, followed by the release of the hit single “Jah Must come” with Anthony B. 

His love for music and connecting with nature was how he lived.

The highly energetic, much loved Ouda Ouda, has been a key player in the Calgary Reggae music scene since his arrival from Jamaica to the city in 2002! He has been unstoppable with countless performances around the city. To mention a few, Afrikadey, Calgary Reggaefest, Carifest, Taste of Jamaica, Lilac Festival, Edmonton Reggae Festival, Fozzyfest, Fort McMurray Largest Jamaican Patio Party, and his beloved ‘Goodie Goodie Food & Tunes.’ 

He has also been the opening act for Mikey Dread, Fredlocks and Sizzla Kalonji. He also performed alongside other Reggae artists in Canada such as Strugglah, Ibo, the Kindread Band, Shailane, Bianca, Black Rose, Joshua, JUST, Shadrock, Ritchie C, and many others. Ouda has also graced the stages of many venues, including Night Gallery, Soda, The Ship and Anchor, The Palace Night Club, High Five, The Pointe, Banff Springs Hotel, Banff Polar Bear Club, Mariott Hotel, Canmore Drake Inn, Fernie, Nelson, Lake Louise, and many more.

Ouda had also become a resident entertainer at the Drum & Monkey/Bamboo’s ‘Dub at the Pub’ where he had entertained adoring fans every Tuesday evening for 12 years alongside DJ’s Big Al and Elijah. Known for his outstanding vocals and vibes became a force for the Dub scene.

The crowd loved Ouda’s conscious lyrics, catchy upbeat tunes and endless amounts of energy! Ouda had gotten the attention of local and international radios where his tunes “Let Us Sing”, “Swing Song” and “Don’t Let the Stew Bun Up” are frequently played. Several publications, such as ReggaeXclusive, Beat Route, Toronto’s Reggae Exclusive and Calgary Extra had also taken notice and have featured articles on this artiste.  He also was heard on radio stations in Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Calgary’s own University radio station CJSW 90.9 fm.

Ouda always spread the message of Rastafarian Livity wherever he went and had added cooking to his ‘resume’. Affectionately referred to as “The Chanting Chef” and “Mr. Spice Fingah” Ouda was always found cooking up a storm with a side of Reggae music every Saturday afternoon at Broken City. He started there with a group of DJ’s called ‘Come Correct’ who asked him to share his love of Jamaican Spice and chanting vocals with them every Saturday afternoon. Broken City embraced this ‘unique’ Chef and artist and became more like one big family who always supported whatever Ouda needed. Every Saturday ‘Grub & Dub’ offered the best ‘Bun Bun’ Jerk Chicken and Ital stew in the city, occasionally with his famous ‘All You Can Eat’ Jamaican Buffets. Ouda would also provide his strong chanting vocals and express his love to everyone! 

Ouda left this world on July 23, 2021, on a very powerful spiritual day: On the birthday of Emperor Hailie Selassie and the beginning of the 129th year of Ras Tafari, at the young age of 57.

Besides his loving ‘Tower’ Queen Dianne Hermann, King Shabuungo Ouda Ouda is survived by a daughter, Princess Tyshona Hewitt (Jamaica) and a son Prince Oshwah Michael Hewitt (Airdrie) as well as his sons’ ‘Queen’ Mother, Christina Lynn Leslie and her husband Samuel Emanuel Leslie.

Ouda is also survived by his four loving sisters, Angela Jones, Althea Reynolds, Suzette Hewitt, and Petrena Hewitt; and three brothers, Michael D Hewitt, Justin Hewitt and Alvaro Hewitt. He was predeceased by his brother Alberto Anthonio Chambers.

He is also remembered by his loving Tower Queen’s children, Justin MacKeracher, Lyndsay MacKeracher (Mario Cedeno), Lisa MacKeracher Slawter (Cornell) and Prince Alexander MacKeracher. As well numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins he always referred to as Princesses and Princes that he loved dearly. 

Special mention to the Liontrod and Donald Families!

Special mention to June Edwards!

Ouda touched so many lives to even attempt to mention all the names would create a huge book. Everyone that knew him felt his spirit, his love, his knowledge; an amazing artist, an amazing chef who was loved and will be missed by many, many people. And his smile!!

Many have asked how the family is dealing with this the loss of such a special ‘Kingman’ but Ouda taught us how:
‘Life is everlasting, and our spirits live on. We will see our loved ones again someday on the other side!’

One of the messages given to me about him said it best, “He came here to teach us so much! May we honour Ouda in living by his example, always showing enthusiasm, connecting with nature, showing our friends and loved ones how much they are appreciated, and always being joyful!”

A Private Graveside Service will be held and a Celebration of his life will be held at Broken City (613 - 11 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Michael Hewitt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Ouda's memorial card can be viewed using this link