Garvaundo Hamilton, an internationally known singer and former Jesuit seminarian, has died unexpectedly in Washington state following a performance at a competition with the organization he co-founded, Karaoke Idols. He was just 36 years old.
According to local reports, Hamilton sang “God Bless the Broken Road” on Sunday, Aug. 4, at the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife before collapsing off-stage. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was declared dead at the scene. No cause of death has been released.
“It took me some time to come to grips with what has happened,” an official representative stated on Hamilton’s professional Facebook page on Aug. 7. “With love and with kindness, may he rest in peace, as hard as that is to say.”
A native of Yallahs, Jamaica, Hamilton graduated from the Jesuits’ St. George’s College in Kingston and worked in the finance industry before entering the order in 2008. He pronounced first vows two years later and matriculated to Fordham University, later transferring to St. Louis University and earning a bachelor’s degree in business as well as a Master of Arts in higher education administration.
During his time at SLU, Hamilton served in various student leadership positions, and after leaving formation worked for the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas and Highline College in Des Moines, Washington.
A lifelong musician, Hamilton was active in vocal music throughout his time with the Jesuits, including with a student a cappella group at SLU, and had won multiple singing competitions in his native Jamaica. His work in the field continued after his time as a seminarian, when he competed in various competitions around the world.
Hamilton won the 2020 Karaoke World Championship (KWC) and was much beloved in the industry community across multiple continents. He later joined the board of the International Karaoke Federation and helped launch the organization’s global Karaoke Cup in 2023.
“Garvaundo was a remarkable singer, a true artist whose performances captivated audiences worldwide and left an indelible mark on our community,” the KWC organization said in a statement. “During this heartbreaking time, our thoughts and condolences are with Garvaundo’s family and friends.”
Hamilton’s musical interests also continued to intersect with his faith. He was featured on “Fire: An Ignatian Anthem” with the Jesuit priest-rapper Mike Martínez in 2023. The song’s lyrics were co-written by Dayne Malcolm, who entered the Jesuit novitiate with Hamilton in Jamaica.
Hamilton co-founded Karaoke Idols earlier this year in Washington, which was an organizational member of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. He had recently joined the chamber board, according to the Federal Way Mirror, and was the sales director for Minuteman Press-Union, a print shop based in Seattle.
Following Hamilton’s death, supporters began organizing remembrance efforts, including a gathering held on Aug. 11 near the site of the finals for the Washington State Championships, where he delivered his final performance. A prayer service was held the next day in his hometown.
No funeral arrangements have yet been announced for Hamilton, who is expected to be buried in Jamaica. More than $11,000 has been raised online in an ongoing effort to assist his family in transporting his body from Washington. Interested parties can contribute on GoFundMe.
Nate Tinner-Williams is co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger.
