Toots now in medically induced coma

Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals fame is now in a medically induced coma at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

His publicist, Claude Mills, told The STAR that Toots, 78, was transferred there yesterday.

“Toots is fighting for his life and his family is asking for prayers,” Mills said.  

It was revealed on Monday that the singer was awaiting results from a coronavirus (COVID-19) test after having shown some of the symptoms. Test results are still not yet in, Mills said, but admitted that the Bam Bam singer was showing all the signs of the virus.

Members of the artiste's inner circle have self-quarantined and taken COVID-19 tests as well.

It was less than a week ago that the prolific hitmaker, who has been in the business for close to six decades, released his latest album, Got To Be Tough.

Toots is one of the most toured artistes out of Jamaica and is known for his hours-long sets on stages across the globe. He has been consistently touring with his band, the Maytals, since the early 1970s, when his landmark album Funky Kingston  made him a global superstar opening for groups such as The Who and the Eagles. Toots and the Maytals won the Grammy Award for best reggae album in 2005 and Toots was awarded an Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government in 2012.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on twitter @JamaicaStar, and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar.