Jamaican reggae legend, Frederick Nathaniel “Toots” Hibbert died at the age of 77 in Kingston, Jamaica.
What We Know:
- The musician, from Toots & the Maytals, passed away peacefully on Friday night. While no cause of death was reported, many speculate COVID-19 played a part.
- Hibbert is considered a father of reggae as he is credited for not only popularizing the style but also giving the genre its name. His 1968 single “Do the Reggay” is the first song to actually use the term.
It is with the heaviest of hearts to announce that Frederick Nathaniel "Toots" Hibbert passed away peacefully tonight, surrounded by his family at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica… pic.twitter.com/zOb6yRpJ7n
— Toots & The Maytals (@tootsmaytals) September 12, 2020
- Many social media users joined in both mourning and celebrating his death. He was deeply loved and respected across the world. User @G_lsklo1 said “Reggae not only helped free Jamaica from European influence and oppression, but it also helped Africa speak what’s on their minds. This is why we have Roots Reggae. Leave a legacy and not just your name. What a loss for the Reggae world. He will be missed.”
- Ziggy Marley, son of Bob Marley, also joined in the remembrance saying “The Legendary Toots Hibbert has passed I spoke w/him a few wks ago told him how much I loved him we laughed & shared our mutual respect. He was a father figure to me his spirit is w/us his music fills us w/his energy I will never forget him RIP MIGHTY & POWERFUL NYAH FYAH BALL.”
- Toots’ death came just weeks before the release of Got to Be Tough, the band’s first full-length album in more than a decade. Although classics like “Pressure Drop”, “Sweet and Dandy”, and “54-46 That’s My Number” will remain favorites for many.
Toots Hibbert’s life was spent making music that was dually political and beautiful; he will surely be missed.
