Millie Small, the Bournvita girl dies at 72

Jamaican singer, Millie Small, has died at the age of 72, reportedly from a stroke, in England. The star, who was born Millicent Small, sang one of the earliest Bournvita commercial songs.

The song, It’s Millie The Bournvita Girl, was released in 1964 in the United Kingdom, under the reggae genre. The Bournvita song helped popularise Cadbury Nigeria’s flagship cocoa beverage brand in the 60s.

A statement from the beverage company announced the demise of Ms. Small, who was also popular for her global hit single, My Boy Lollipop, which climbed to number two in both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart in 1964. She was well known for her high-pitched vocals, which struck the right note with her fans all over the world.

“Our condolences to her family,” said Oyeyimika Adeboye, Managing Director of the Company. “She made Bournvita a household name in the 60s.”

In 2011, the Governor-General of Jamaica bestowed on Ms. Small, a Commander in the Order of Distinction in recognition of her contribution to the Jamaican music industry. Small is survived by her daughter, Jaelee, who is also a musician.