Legendary reggae star Toots Hibbert dies after testing positive for Covid

Toots Hibbert, of Toots and the Maytals in 1997. Photo / Getty Images

Toots Hibbert, frontman of the legendary reggae band Toots and the Maytals, has died at the age of 77.

The cause of death is as yet unclear though he had been recently tested for Covid-19.

A statement from his family 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.

Toots Hibbert and Willie Nelson in 2004. Photo / Getty Images

"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 of 39 years, Miss D, and his seven of eight children."

One of Jamaica's most influential musicians, he helped popularise reggae in the 1960s with songs such as Pressure Drop, Monkey Man and Funky Kingston.

He had the number 1 single in New Zealand with his song Beautiful Woman in 1982.

He even claimed to have coined the genre's name, on 1968's Do The Reggay.

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

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 😢 pic.twitter.com/zIofrbYZU0

— Ziggy Marley (@ziggymarley) September 12, 2020

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

Thinking of Toots and his family as he is treated in hospital, we pray for his speedy recovery. This specially curated playlist pays due respect to undoubtedly one of most generous, talented and influential artists. Get well soon Toots 🙏🏾
✅ LISTEN > https://t.co/SJ2pKi0apd pic.twitter.com/PcRNpu8fCT

— Trojan Records (@trojanrecords) September 9, 2020

Hibbert's family said he had died on Friday.

The musician was later placed in a medically-induced coma, and a spokesman said the musician was "fighting for his life."