Oneil Edwards of Voicemail.

Voicemail - File photos

Today marks one year since Voicemail's Oneil Edwards died. While he is missed and his death is still a touchy topic, the remaining members say they are trying to cope without him.

"We have been coping with the positive and encouraging words from people from every possible angle you can think of, especially his mom. I speak to her very often and that helps a lot," Kevin told THE STAR in an interview yesterday.

Prior to his death, Edwards spent two weeks in hospital after being attacked by gunmen while attempting to enter his home in Duhaney Park, St Andrew, last year. He was shot five times and suffered serious injury to his head and had to undergo several operations. The deejay remained at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) since the shooting and never regained consciousness.

integral role

A year later, Kevin says he is still grateful for the support the group received from the entertainment fraternity and the wider public.

"The support we got from the industry was a great one. As you know, we are around most of these people on every given day. So to get those encouraging words from them was and is still a blessing," he added.

Not only have they had to deal with his loss on a personal level, they also had to make changes to their music, as Oneil's voice played an integral role in the group.

"Well, as a lot of people know, Oneil was the bass singer of the group and that was an intricate part of our sound, so we have had to try and do as best we can to keep that sound that people are familiar with," he said.

Despite the adjustments, he said their international audiences are still receptive of the group. He said, "People are still interested in the group. They are still accepting us. I think one of the most anticipated things in people's minds is how we grow and move on from this."

The main suspect in Edwards' shooting was found dead last year shortly after Oneil died, while a second suspect was picked up in Manchester and taken to Kingston.

But the coping process has been made more difficult as Kevin says they are yet to get any new information from the police on those suspected of committing the crime.

"Well, we have not heard anything else really from the police on the progress of any suspects. Plus we know how Jamaican culture is with the case of 'nformer' and people not wanting to say what they saw or heard, if in fact they saw or heard anything, in fear of their own lives," he told THE STAR.

Nonetheless, when Voicemail returns from Europe in late June, Kevin says there are also plans to do something special to celebrate Oneil's life.

Meanwhile, Kevin says the group is currently promoting singles like Last Drink with Konshens, Bewitched, Lighta and Bring It Back. He said they will also be releasing Bokkles and Cups that features Terro 3000. In addition, he said their album, Next Level, will be released soon.

"The first single from that is I Got Love. This is also Oneil's last recording so this one is very personal and important to us," he told THE STAR.