Music icon and fashion pioneer Edward ‘Sollie’ Solomon passes away

Beloved local musician and pioneering fashion boutique owner, Edward ‘Sollie’ Solomon, died on Sunday, 27 Nov. He was 76.

The iconic singer and conga player was in many bands over the years, including Humble and the Meek and Mainstream, and was subsequently presented with the ICON award by the Cayman Music and Entertainment Association on 24 Jan., 2016 for his extraordinary contribution to the local music industry.

Beyond his skills as a performer, Solomon always had a great eye for fashion, so it was no surprise that he opened his own high-end boutique – Arabus – bringing designer labels to the island at a time when they were almost unheard of at local shops. Its first location was on Fort St., and years later it moved to Edward St. After nearly 50 years in business, Solomon reluctantly closed its doors in 2019. It was the end of an era.

The man himself was always impeccably dressed, accessorised by a huge smile that lit up a room. Residents and tourists alike sought him out at the various venues where he played, and he greeted them all like old friends.

When word of Solomon’s passing started to get around on social media on Sunday, there was an outpouring of tributes to the man whose gregarious personality had left an impression on so many.

“A Cayman treasure lost today, fashion icon and musician… we will miss u Sollie ole boy,” Osbourne Bodden posted, with Ginny Hobday adding,”Very sad. RIP. He will be missed. Loved his shop back in the day. He was such fun and very talented and kind.”

Musician Chuck Quappe talked about the relationship he and his wife Barrie had with Solomon, saying, “We had been friends with Ed since I arrived in Cayman in ’83 and immediately started performing together on and off for decades. When our son passed tragically in 2013, Ed called us every 2 weeks for a year to check up on our wellbeing.

“Not only an important member of the Cayman music and fashion industry, but an incredibly kind human being to all those who could call him a friend. Unfortunately for us, it appears someone else needed Congo player for their band.”

Heidi Kristina Lawrence simply said, “A legend.”