Leba and the new Maytals band make US debut

Shortly after Toots Hibbert's death in 2020, his daughter Leba Hibbert, who toured the world with him as a member of his famous Toots and the Maytals Band, vowed to keep the reggae icon's rich musical legacy alive.

She recently made her debut as the lead singer of the new Toots and the Maytals Band with two successful performances in the US. The first show was held in Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, New York, on June 23.

"I am happy that the new Toots and the Maytals Band is finally on the road. Our US debut was a resounding success as the people came out in great numbers to see us in Brooklyn. It was a wonderful show, we performed several of the classic Toots and the Maytals songs including Never Grow Old, Sweet and Dandy, Pomps and Pride, Pressure Drop, and Bam Bam. The audience loved every minute of our performance, and they didn't hesitate to show their appreciation by dancing and singing along with us," she said.

The second show, which took place the following night in Philadelphia, was also well attended.

"Everyone had a blast in Philadelphia as we performed songs from my father's vast catalogue of hits such as Country Road, Funky Kingston, 54 - 46, and Time Tough. Our set also included Our Day and Missing You, tributes to Amy Winehouse and Tina Turner, respectively. We also did one of my original songs, Ragga Souljah, from my solo debut album, Intoxicated," she added.

Leba said that performing with the band brought back memories of the days when she used to be on the road with her legendary father.

"I am happy that I have the talent and the confidence to take up the mantle as the lead singer of his band and carry on his legacy," she said.

At both events, Leba asked the audience to observe a moment of silence in memory of her father. Hibbert passed away at the University Hospital of the West Indies at the age of 77.

Leba also revealed that there are several upcoming shows in the works.