The 44th Annual Tribute To The Reggae Legends will take place on February 21-22 at WorldBeat Cultural Center in San Diego, California. Nine artists will be honored with the Bob Marley Peace Award, including Toots Hibbert, Sister Nancy, Johnny Osbourne, Little John, Michael Palmer, Ranking Joe, Triston Palmer, Etana, and Warrior King. The event, founded by Makeda “Dread” Cheatom, will kick off with the “Virgin Island Meets Jamaica Sound System” on the first day, featuring performances by Michael Palmer, Ranking Joe, Dezarie, and Ninjah P. The second day, titled “Roots Legends,” will close the tribute with performances from Sister Nancy, Johnny Osbourne, Warrior King, Etana, Triston Palmer, and Junior Toots, the son of the late Toots Hibbert.

Toots Hibbert, the legendary frontman of Toots and the Maytals, is considered one of the pioneers of reggae music. He is credited with helping popularize the genre, particularly through his energetic performances and unique fusion of ska, rocksteady, and reggae. Toots’ powerful voice and innovative use of gospel and soul influences helped shape the sound of reggae. His hit songs like “Monkey Man,” “Pressure Drop,” and “54-46 Was My Number” became anthems of the genre. Years ago when I was introduced to Toots on stage at our venue, the Adams Ave Theater, I called him the “otis redding” of Reggae and he was so blown out that he asked me to reintroduce him so that I would repeat it again.