Hopeton Hibbert, a Grammy-nominated producer and the eldest son of reggae icon Toots Hibbert, has passed away after a prolonged battle with diabetes.
Doreen Hibbert, the wife of the late Toots Hibbert, confirmed his death, stating that he reportedly passed away on Wednesday.
A gifted musician, Hopeton Hibbert, who was in his 60s, struggled with diabetes in his later years, eventually leading to his reclusive lifestyle. Recently, there were plans to amputate his legs due to complications from the disease, but he passed away before the procedure could take place, according to a family friend.
Hibbert’s musical journey was notable, particularly as a bass player. He spent years with the Skool Band, participating in numerous Reggae Sunsplash tours. Later, he joined the Morgan Heritage band and toured extensively with them, as well as with his father, Toots Hibbert. Additionally, he collaborated with double-platinum recording artist Peter Blakely, touring Australia for an extended period in the early 1990s.
Known for his virtuosity on the bass, Hibbert also showcased his talent on the guitar. He collaborated with rising stars like Damian Marley and Julian Marley, touring with them extensively. Desi Jones, a fellow musician and longtime friend, reminisced about their shared experiences touring with Julian Marley and participating in the Reggae Sunsplash tours across the US and Japan.
Hopeton Hibbert’s contributions to music were recognized with Grammy nominations for the albums “Reggae Got Soul” and “Unplugged on Strawberry Hill,” both by Toots and the Maytals.
The passing of Hopeton Hibbert follows the death of his father, Toots Hibbert, in September 2020. Toots Hibbert, a legendary figure in reggae music, succumbed to COVID-19 complications during the pandemic in Jamaica while in a medically induced coma at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston.
