Although she has been a professional artiste for most of her life, Leba Hibbert describes her second album as “my official introduction to the world”.

Leba Abel is the name of the 8-song set released on August 25.

The artiste wrote or co-wrote all the songs. She also produced six of its eight tracks, one of the exceptions being Extreme, which has shared credits with Toots Hibbert, her legendary father.

Leba Abel is released 15 years after Intoxicated, her first album. Her EP, Into The Lights, came out in 2023.

“This album is about me, my life, my experiences, and what I’ve been through. This album is my reality; truth, not fiction, facts, not stories,” she said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Journey, one of the songs from Leba Abel, reflects on her career. Since the 1980s when she joined her father’s band as a member of 54-46, his harmony trio, Leba learned the intricacies of the music business from Toots, who died in September 2020 at age 77.

The last three years has seen her leading The Maytals featuring Leba Hibbert on tours of the UK and US. Her most recent road work was a 19-date trek of the UK in May.

“I’m very confident, but I’m also realising that I have to do this on my own now. At the same time, I have to carry on my father’s legacy,” said Hibbert.

Helping to honour that legacy is Junior Toots, her brother, with whom she collaborates on
Bless Me.

Extreme, recorded two years ago, features guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore, who died in January.

While introducing her father’s classic songs to a new generation of fans is one of her priorities, Leba Hibbert is determined to make her name with projects like
Leba Abel.

— Howard Campbell