Toots’ musical legacy lives on
Published:Friday | October 6, 2023 | 12:08 AMAnthony Turner/Gleaner Writer
September 11 (9/11) has special significance for millions of Americans who lost family members in the World Trade Center attack.
For Celeste Sade Hibbert-McMahon, it is significant, as it’s the anniversary of the death of her beloved granddad, reggae legend Toots Hibbert, who passed away at the University Hospital of the West Indies on September 11, 2020. Toots’ death sent shock waves through the music world.
“I didn’t see this coming,” the Mt Vernon, NY-based Hibbert-McMahon told The Gleaner.
“I took his passing very hard but the prayers have definitely helped with carrying the family through this difficult time,” she shared.
“Whenever I’d visit Jamaica our connection was truly magical. He would always speak so highly of me. He treated me like a princess. Whenever he’d have shows in NYC, I was sure to attend and experience the magnetism first hand. It was so inspiring for me. I have so much love and respect for the person who he was. He was impactful and I’m blessed that he passed down his musical genius to me,” she said.
Toots was one of the titans of Jamaican ska and reggae and Hibbert-McMahon hopes to help continue his legacy.
“I make a variety of music but I’d say my soul’s calling is definitely R&B. I have a very raspy, captivating, deep and sensual sound. Typically, my listeners express that my music makes them feel calm, allows them to think freely and helps them feel good within themselves. I’ve been writing music ever since I was nine years old but I believe I realised my love for music much sooner than that,” the 31-year old crooner said.
Hibbert-McMahon’s music genes run deep. Her dad, Hopeton Hibbert, played with Toots and Royal Family of Reggae, Morgan Heritage, in the past. Her brother Blizzi, also known as Dwayne Hibbert, produced Vybz Kartel’s Miss My Dream, Burna Boy’s Personally and Good Vibes by Sizzla. Her sister Michal is an upcoming artiste and writer with a unique and relatable sound. Her daughter Taylor, also known as Buggy, is talented as well.
“We actually call her the ‘golden child’ because she has almost every talent in the book. She sings, acts, and knows how to draw. She is currently learning how to make beats. She is into fashion and modelling and she is only eight years old. I know this is truly just the beginning for her. So much more greatness in store,” she said.
Hibbert-McMahon spoke about wanting to record a song with her granddad before he passed.
“It’s so eerie to me because in the months before his passing, I actually started to express my love for music way more to him. He’d always tell me that I have an amazing voice and that I should start taking my talent more seriously. We spoke about working on music together and everything but, unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but I’m grateful to have had such a wonderful and caring grandfather. He’s forever in our hearts,” she declared.
Speaking about her own music and aspirations, Hibbert-McMahon declared, “ I actually have a handful of songs out right now on all streaming platforms. I absolutely love the music that I create because it is coming from a genuine place. I sometimes even get re-inspired by my own music ... it is truly a gift from God. My overall purpose is to raise the positive vibrations in each person that listens to my music.”
A new track titled Not This Time was released on September 19, a date that is significant to her.
“It was my grandmother Majorie Morgan’s birthday. I miss her so much and she was absolutely in love with my music. I know it is her spirit that keeps me going ... I’m definitely excited and looking forward to the feedback from my fans,” she stated.
Other songs from her catalogue include Speed it up, I Need it, Pretty Brown Eyes, What a God, Bye Love and Let’s Drive.
Plans are also afoot to release an EP or album early next year.