Jerome Hyde, a well known and sought after director, videographer and graphic producer passed away on Saturday due to COVID-19 complications. He was 36.
He was a founding member of Unplugged Multimedia and a also a close friend of dancehall/reggae artiste Bugle.
On her Facebook account, Hyde’s cousin Shivaun ‘Sunshine’ Black confirmed the director’s passing.
“Thank you everyone for your prayers, but it is with great regret to inform you that my cousin Jerome Hyde has gained wings. You were the true definition of humble. Your contagious smile, talents and overall presence will be missed. I love you my ‘big likkle cuz’. May you rest in Heavenly peace.”
Hyde has directed music videos for several Jamaican artistes. They include Hurt Mi Heart by Vybrant, Idol and Rasta Party by Bugle, Infidelity by Bugle and Lady Saw, Move Dem by Bugle and Julian Marley, My Town by Jamaican rapper Magazeen featuring American rapper Wale, Miss You So Much by Dexta Daps and Blackmann, and Never Give Up by Jahmiel.
Hyde was born in the American capital Washington DC, but his parents are from Duhaney Park and Spanish Town. He studied film at Howard University in his hometown, and earned a Masters Degree in Visual Effects from Savannah College of Arts and Design in Georgia.
Hyde began working in film as a production assistant on the hit Martin Lawrence comedy Big Momma’s House. He was a part of the production crew for the reality series Most Haunted Live, and later worked as production coordinator for Single Ladies, the drama-comedy which aired on VH1.
Hyde also produced television commercials for Toyota, Radio One, Washington Wizards, Washington Redskins, the Discovery Channel and the Travel Channel.
Last year, he produced a 40th anniversary special for former BET presenter Donnie Simpson, to commemorate Simpson’s milestone in broadcast media.