Stevie Wonder has shared that he’s heartbroken over the loss of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, comparing the late actor to an African griot.
Speaking to TMZ, the legendary singer-songwriter reflected on the life of Warner, whom he won a Grammy with in 2015 for their charity song “Jesus Children.”
“My heart is broken,” Wonder said, before explaining the importance of Warner. “I don’t know if you know what a griot is. A griot is like, the African that told the stories in the various villages. So whenever a griot would die, it would be like a whole library of information burning.
“So my heart is broken because not only was he a talented man, growing up and doing — we know him in the Cosby Show, but even more important, his commitment was telling the story. And for me, in a time where we have so many in high places telling low-down lies, we need the truth. So yeah, I miss him. I will miss him.”
He added: “I’m quiet, but my heart is hurting.”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Stevie Wonder won their Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance category. Their collaboration was a reworking of Wonder’s classic “Jesus Children of America,” led by Robert Glasper, and featured both Warner and singer Lalah Hathaway.
On Monday (July 21), reports surfaced that the former Cosby Show star died from asphyxia after accidentally drowning during a family trip in Costa Rica.
The 54-year-old was swimming with his daughter at a beach near the city of Limon, and his body was identified on Sunday (July 20). According to ABC News, surfers spotted the pair in an area known for dangerous rip currents and dove in to help. One surfer reportedly used his surfboard to bring Warner’s daughter to safety while a lifeguard brought Warner and another individual back to shore.
Warner was then given 45 minutes of CPR, but ultimately could not be resuscitated.
The late entertainer, musician and poet is survived by his wife and 8-year-old daughter. Warner opted to keep both of their identities private prior to his death.
