Caribbean Buzz
Archived: Toots Hibbert’s Passing – “We’ve Lost One of the Head Cornerstones of Jamaican Music.”
Published
5 years agoon
By
EBUZZTT
At the age of 77, reggae pioneer, Frederick “Toots” Hibbert took his last breath. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but according to Rolling Stone magazine, he had been hospitalized in August for symptoms consistent with the coronavirus. Hibbert is credited with the fusion of soul music and reggae. Tributes have poured in from around the world, signaling the massive impact his career had on the global music industry.
Rock and Roll legend, Mick Jagger has paid tribute to Hibbert, calling the death of the Maytals singer “a great loss to the whole music world.”
“So sad to hear of Toots Hibbert’s passing,” Jagger wrote on social media. “When I first heard ‘Pressure Drop‘ that was a big moment.”
The Rolling Stones singer, in a statement issued to Rolling Stones said, “He was a great singer with a really powerful voice who influenced everyone in the early days of reggae. He was a great stage performer. So full of energy and vitality always giving a top class performance that I was lucky enough to witness.”
Reggae and dancehall artist, Buju Banton in a simple social media post wrote, “My brother. With so much love. Rest well.”
Lovers Rock master, Beres Hammond also paid tribute to Hibbert, saying the world has lost one of the head cornerstones of Jamaican music.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Beres Hammond (@bereshammond) on
Hibbert passed away on Friday, September 11th.
Caribbean Buzz
Lila Ike Bridges Generations, Gets Nod of Approval from Patra on ‘Romantic’ Remake.
Published
1 week agoon
2nd July 2025By
EBUZZTT
Jamaican reggae singer, Lila Iké embraces confidence on her sultry, new single, “Romantic” which features dancehall artiste, Masicka. The track and its accompanying video arrive alongside the exciting announcement of her highly anticipated debut album, Treasure Self Love, which is set for release on August 22nd.
“Romantic,” hears Ike put a bold, empowering spin on Jamaican dancehall royalty Patra’s 1994 classic “Romantic Call.” The original track, featuring hip-hop icon Yo-Yo, peaked at #55 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, three decades later, Lila pays homage while making it her own. Patra herself opens and closes the track, blessing it with her own signature style.

Photo: Destinee Condison
The unity between Patra and Lila bridges generations of feminine power.
The song was produced by British-Ghanaian hitmaker Juls—known for work with Wizkid, Lauryn Hill, Burna Boy, and Tyler the Creator—andJamaican producer Dunw3ll. The video was directed by Shane Creative and offers that 90’s nostalgia, with Lila and her leading ladies rocking shimmery, throwback dancehall queen fashion. Modern day dancehall star Masicka jumps in with rapid-fire, flirtatious bars that amplify the chemistry
With “Romantic,” Lila Iké isn’t just revisiting a classic—she’s reinventing it for a new era. “‘Romantic’ is my way of paying homage to dancehall and of course the queens who made space for us — women like Patra, who taught us how to be bold, sensual, and unapologetic. I wanted to tap into that energy, which is very me anyways,” said the artiste.
“Masicka’s verse added that fire and dancehall balance I needed. It’s not just a throwback — it’s a whole new mood! Big up Patra for coming on board as well, that was a full circle moment,” she added.
Caribbean Buzz
Beachfront Jazz Affirms its Place In Tobago. Freetown Collective Brings Love and Light.
Published
1 week agoon
30th June 2025By
EBUZZTT
Even as mega tourism destinations in the region prepare for carnivals and other festivals, Tobago – sister-isle of Carnival hub, Trinidad, recently hosted Beachfront Jazz. The event has been hailed a masterclass in musical storytelling, bringing together, a dynamic cross section of local, regional and international talent.

Held at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, the event kicked off with the captivating vocal style of Tobago singer, Stephanie Joseph who seamlessly fused genres, pleasing the crowd at every juncture. Her powerful renditions of Bohemian Rhapsody, All Night Long, reggae classics, with a nod to Carl Jacobs’ Jumbie Beat, showcased her vocal agility and range, setting the tone for what was to come. Hosted by Black 2 Sugars, Beachfront Jazz featured musicians like, saxophonist and UTT lecturer, Tony Paul, Barbadian saxophonist, Elann Trotman, Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz pianist Bob Baldwin and others. The artiste lineup was equally entertaining, boasting Freetown Collective who blessed the audience with positive energy and love through music. The crowd sang along to favourites like ‘Can You Feel the Love, ‘‘Mas,’ ‘Born Soldier’ and ‘Red Eye.’ Their trailblazing single, ‘Take Me Home‘ would cement their names in the hearts of those taking it all in.
A collectively, spirited and truly talented array of creatives chosen for this edition of the musical showcase, fans of good music left satisfied. A cultural movement in essence, Beachfront Jazz has ultimately set a new standard in Jazz-styled entertainment in Tobago.
Tobago and the people of the island are spirited and beautiful who are passionate about life and quality. They embraced my music, which is a fusion of Jazz, Funk, Latin, Caribbean and Brazilian influences, said Bob Baldwin. He explained that music is the universal language of healing and commented on the heartwarming and genuine exchange between the artistes and the audience. “Hope to return again, sooner than later and hope the audience feels the same,” he said.

On June 21st, Beachfront Jazz affirmed its place as a beacon of world-class musical excellence in the Caribbean. Patrons came for the music but left with something greater: a renewed love for live performance, for jazz in all its forms and for Tobago, the perfect destination for premier festivals.
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