You can never get enough of Toots Hibbert and his inseparable Maytals That’s why after his latest London show at the Barbican there were friends, fans, and media all waiting in line to get a few words, a photo or just a glimpse of a true music legend, we had the privilege to be there for a quick chat.

“People love to see me and I love to see them. To bring joy with my music is my greatest aspiration and I’ll always do it: I’ll be always singing good music for my fans”.

Next to having invented reggae there’s no doubt that Toots & the Maytals are one of its most renowned and original interpreters, today, just as in the 1960s.

“Reggae is lifting higher and higher. It has changed a lot, but why shouldn’t it? As long as people push the gospel I’m happy with that. As long as people write good songs and play good music, I’ll be happy”

Once on stage, Toots and his musicians constantly offer unique performances. The Barbican show was no exception. The gig was an uplifting and upbeat musical experience.

“It’s always good to play in London, and is always good to play where my fans are; London, Paris, America…all over the place. I love to play for people wherever they are”.

With Toots you can easily say ‘60 years and still going strong’. The Jamaican singer/songwriter is ready to release a brand-new album, six decades after the first one, titled Never Grow Old.

“I’ve some new music ready, but I haven’t released it yet because my fans love my old material. They keep on asking for that so I keep on playing it. Anyway, we have a new album all set for 2018”.

One of the most remarkable features of Toots and the Maytals is that their music never gets old. Looking around the Barbican, you can spot many young faces among the spectators.

“Everybody is getting older and younger at the same time. It’s good to see new faces and kids among the audience. My style is reggae, ska, R&B, soul and gospel; it’s really nice to see that the younger generation wants that”.

We thought there was no better way to close our chat than a positive and heartening message: As only Toots Hibbert can express.

“My message to the new generation is to keep on with reggae music. We always tried to deliver and spread the reggae message and we always wanted to tell good stories about people and their everyday lives. So, I hope that people will keep on singing about what they experience, every day of their lives”.

Daily Discovery: Toots & the Maytals – Rebel Salute 2020

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Artists: Toots & The Maytals

Gallery: Toots & The Maytals + The Beat + Pama International + Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry… @ Alexandra Palace (London; Saturday 8th September 2018)

Devotees of everything reggae descended en masse to Ally Pally to get close with the aristocracy of Jamaican music. The all-day event held in the fading Great Hall saw fans sweating out their best hip grinding moves.  Popular artists such as Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Rodigan, Pama International and The Beat…

Artists: Lee Scratch Perry , Pama International , The Beat , Toots & The Maytals , Toots And The Maytals