Frederick Nathaniel ‘Toots’ Hibbert, a Jamaican reggae pioneer has passed away. He was 77.
The five-time Grammy nominee, according to Toots Toots & Maytals, a band he had fronted died on Friday night at the university hospital of the West Indies in Kingston.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts to announce that Frederick Nathaniel ‘Toots’ Hibbert passed away peacefully tonight, surrounded by his family,” the band said in a sttatement.
“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.
“Mr. Hibbert is survived by his wife 0f 39 years, Miss D, and his seven 0f eight children.”
Ziggy Marley, son of late reggae star, Bob Marley took to his social media page to pen a tribute to the deceased.
“The legendary Toots Hibbert has passed. I spoke w/him a few wks ago told him how much I loved him,” he wrote.
“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.”
Although the cause of Hibbert’s death was not revealed, he was said to have tested for COVID-19 few weeks ago and was hospitalized.
Some of his most popular songs include Pressure Drop, Sweet and Dandy, and 54-46 That’s My Number.
