The legacy of an award-winning Gombey, who helped preserve and strengthen one of the island’s deeply cherished traditions, has been celebrated as embodying pride in heritage.

Tyrone Alexander “Funk” Nesbitt became one of the youngest members of Place’s Gombeys when he joined the troupe when he was 10.

Inspired by Gombey leader John “Pickles” Spence, he also performed with Merry Mice’s Gombeys before co-founding H & N Gombeys, which would later become the H & H Gombey troupe.

Mr Nesbitt revered the roots of Gombeys, which evolved from West African dance and drumming.

He told The Royal Gazette in 2016: “All I can say is that if Gombeys stick to tradition, it will go further.

“Some people try to exploit the culture but it is important for us to remember the roots of where it comes from and to be an ambassador to Bermuda when performing. It is about community.”

Mr Nesbitt was dancing and drumming from childhood.

“It wasn’t something that I was taught — I listened and I learnt,” he explained.

He created his first costume when he was about 20.

With a painter’s eye for colour, he embellished his regalia with bright Bermudian and African symbolism.

A statement from the Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said: “Mr Nesbitt mastered the side snare drum and continued to play whenever called upon, while also enjoying dancing when the opportunity allowed.

“He believed that understanding both rhythm and movement was essential to appreciating the full Gombey experience.

“His performances took him throughout the Caribbean and the United States, proudly representing Bermuda internationally.”

The ministry added that his self-made costumes were “distinguished by intricate embroidery, symbolic imagery and exceptional attention to detail”.

It explained: “His work reflected Bermuda’s natural environment, heritage and African influences and each suit was crafted as a labour of love, often taking many months to complete.”

Mr Nesbitt, a skilled carpenter, also carved accessories such as a boss drum, bows and hatchets to complement his regalia.

In recognition of his contributions, Mr Nesbitt, affectionately introduced to children as “The Gombey Man”, was named a Gombey Festival honouree in 2016.

His passing at 76 came shortly after that of Zaniko Hendrickson, co-owner of H & H Gombeys and a founding member of the Bermuda Gombey Council.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said: “The passing of Tyrone ‘Funk’ Nesbitt soon after the loss of Zaniko Hendrickson, is deeply felt across Bermuda.

“Funk was a cultural icon whose lifelong devotion to Gombeys, craftsmanship and community helped to preserve and strengthen one of our most important traditions.

“He embodied authenticity, pride in heritage and respect for the roots of our culture.”

“On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, the Gombey community and all those whose lives he touched.”

He added: “As the island continues to mourn his passing, the Government extends its sympathy to all who will continue to uphold the traditions, values and sense of community that he so passionately embodied.”