Frederick Nathaniel “Toots” Hibbert, one of reggae’s creators and most esteemed stars has died at the age of 77. He actually gave the music its name and later helped make it an international movement through classics such as “Pressure Drop,” “Monkey Man” and “Funky Kingston”.
Hibbert, frontman of Toots & the Maytals, was in a medically-induced coma at a hospital in Kingston, Jamaica since earlier this month. According to his publicist, he was admitted to intensive care because of breathing difficulties. It was disclosed in local media that he was awaiting results from a COVID-19 test after displaying symptoms.
News of the five-time Grammy nominee’s ill-health came just weeks after his last performance in August, on a national live-stream during Jamaica’s Emancipation and Independence celebrations.
According to Associated Press, a statement released by his family said that Hibbert died Friday at University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, surrounded by family.
Ziggy Marley, son of Bob Marley, tweeted about the demise saying he communicated with Hibbert a few weeks ago and, “told him how much i loved him we laughed & shared our mutual respect,” adding, “He was a father figure to me.”
https://twitter.com/ziggymarley/status/1304679577516568576
He is survived by his wife, Doreen and his seven of eight children, including the reggae performers Junior Hibbert and Leba Hibbert.
