Leba, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, record producer and daughter of the legendary Frederick “Toots” Hibbert, is now fronting up the new look Toots and the Maytals. They’re playing Middlesbrough this May.

The transition of Toots and the Maytels into its current era is less of a rebranding and more of a sacred inheritance. Since the death of the legendary Frederick “Toots” Hibbert in 2020, the question wasn’t just who could sing the songs, but who could carry the soul of a man who literally defined the word “Reggae”. In stepping forward as the frontwoman, Leba isn't just filling a vacancy; she’s honoring a lineage. But rest assured, Leba is no stranger to the stage, or indeed the charts, having big hits with tracks including ‘Ooh la la’ and ‘Never Get To Heaven’. Those were with her sister Melanie Hibbert, but Leba’s also had solo success with recent chart-topping hits ‘Natty Dread’ and ‘Ragga Soul Jah’. So, the new look Maytels aren’t trying to replace a legend – that would be impossible. Instead, they are proving that the music of Toots Hibbert is a living, breathing entity. With Leba at the helm, the band has transitioned from a period of mourning into a vibrant new chapter that ensures the “Sweet and Dandy” vibrations reach a whole new generation. GM

Toots and the Maytals, Sunday 24 May, The Middlesbrough Empire, 7pm, £32.50, themiddlesbroughempire.co.uk