Richie Stephens tapped to perform for Toots

NY:

Jamaica’s music ambassador Richie Stephens is one of several leading acts tapped by the Government to perform at the funeral of reggae legend Toots Hibbert, as final preparations fall into place.

“It will be an honour for me to help to give this national hero, this icon, this treasure of Jamaica, the hero’s send-off he truly deserves” Richie Stephens told The Gleaner.

Reflecting on his own career, Stephens recalled that Toots was one of the first artistes to encourage him to follow his dreams.

“As a very young artiste coming into the business and seeking validation, I remember meeting Toots and him telling me that I am such a blessed singer. He told me I had one of the best voices he had ever heard. Toots continued to say those same words to me throughout my career wherever we met,” Stephens shared.

In 2010, Stephens approached Toots to record a track on his Come To Jamaica album and he obliged. The single was also included on Richie Stephens & the Ska Nation’s 2018 disc titled Root of the Music.

According to Stephens, “Toots had one of the most distinctive voices and represented the sound of Jamaica, especially on the international stage. I don’t know anybody out there who defines Jamaica and our culture better. He lived through all the genres of our music, from ska, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall. He was not only there, but he championed all those eras.”

The mutual respect the two stars shared for each other was further demonstrated at Stephen’s 50th birthday celebration in 2016 when the Bam Bam singer showed up unannounced and ended up performing.

“It was the greatest thing on earth to have Toots there. He went on stage, took the mic and gave a short speech and performed. Moments like those you just can never forget,” Stephens declared.

Toots will be interred at the National Heroes Park in Kingston on Sunday, November 15, next to the Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown, in the last burial spot left in the area reserved in the park for cultural icons.