Got to Be Tough! Check out the new and long-awaited album by Toots and the Maytals!

In times of political and social uncertainty, the return of Toots Hibbert's voice could not be more than welcome. A voice that has resonated since the beginning of ska, during the civil rights movement in America and Jamaica's independence in the 60s. During this time, Toots sang iconic songs like “Monkey Man” and “54-46 Was My Number” – an ironic response to his unjust arrest for ganja. Since then, he has gained a clear view of the corrupt systems that try to dominate populations and this characteristic is present in all of his lyrics. Grammy winner (and multiple nominee), Toots Hibbert is a master at creating a type of resistance music, which harmonizes anger and sensitivity by drawing attention to social injustices. Got To Be Tough is a reflection of this.

GOT TO BE TOUGH

This new album, which comes out via Trojan Jamaica / BMG Records, is produced by Toots Hibbert himself, who also plays many of the instruments and arranges the brass section. The main guitar is by Zak Starkey (co-founder of the Trojan Jamaica label alongside Sharna “Sshh” Liguz and drummer for The Who), the drums are by master Sly Dunbar (from the duo Sly & Robbie) and the percussion by New Orleans icon, Cyril Neville.Speaking of percussion, it is worth remembering that former Beatle Ringo Starr performs the same in the reinterpretation of “Three Little Birds”, by Bob Marley. The classic track takes on a ska vibe and also features Ziggy Marley on vocals. The album Got To Be Tough comes to renew the almost six-decade career of the man who launched a new sound and musical genre with his 1968 hit “Do The Reggay”. Yes, Toots Hibbert coined the term “reggay”, which later came to refer to the musical style, derived from ska and rocksteady, that emerged in Jamaica in the late 60s. This Friday, August 28th, legendary Jamaican artist Frederick “Toots” Hibbert shows that all the roots of the black diaspora run through his creative veins: blues, soul, r&b, funk, jazz, reggae... Toots honors and embodies these sounds, while seeking to survive and thrive among our earthly challenges.You have to be strong when things get difficult"- warns the frontman of this global reggae institution that is Toots and The Maytals.