REGGAE MUSIC legend Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert has died aged 77.
Best known as the frontman of Toots and the Maytals, Hibbert is credited with helping bring reggae into the mainstream.
The much-loved musician passed away on Friday.
According to a statement issued by his family, the 77-year-old had been battling illness at a private hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.
The statement said: "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.
"The family and his management team would like to thank the medical teams and professionals for their care and diligence, and ask that you respect their privacy during their time of grief."
Bob Marley’s son, Ziggy, had led the tributes to the reggae icon.
"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 wrote on Twitter.
"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."
Comedian Lenny Henry also tweeted: "So sorry to hear of Toots Hibbert’s death.
"His music was a constant in our house growing up via Tighten up albums. His voice was powerful and adaptable to funk, soul, country, AND reggae. Rest in power..."
Toots & The Maytals - Funky Kingston https://t.co/iRNOtswHKN via @YouTube So sorry to hear of Toots Hibbert’s death. His music was a constant in our house growing up via Tighten up albums. His voice was powerful and adaptable to funk, soul, country, AND reggae. Rest in power...
— Lenny Henry (@LennyHenry) September 12, 2020
No official cause of death has been announced.
Earlier this month, Hibbert’s management had confirmed he was being treated in intensive care with suspected Covid-19.
They were, however, awaiting the results of further tests.
Hibbert’s management also said at the time that he was “resting and in good spirits, and is showing signs of improvement by the hour”.
The frontman of Toots And The Maytals’, Hibbert led the band to a string of hits including 54-46 (That’s My Number), Pressure Drop and Monkey Man.
Their 1968 single Do The Reggay is also widely credited with giving the reggae genre its specific name.
Last month, the band released Got To Be Tough, their first album in a decade.
