Toots & The Maytals and Rhoda Dakar

Toots & the Maytals, led by Toots Hibbert from May Pen, Jamaica, were pioneers in ska, rocksteady, and reggae genres. Known for hits like "Pressure Drop," Toots' soulful style was influenced by R&B icons. Collaborated with Leslie Kong and Chris Blackwell, they gained fame with albums like "Funky Kingston" and "Reggae Got Soul." The 2004 Grammy-winning "True Love" featured guests like Eric Clapton and Willie Nelson. Despite setbacks, including Hibbert's 2013 injury, they continued to perform and record, with "Got to Be Tough" in 2020 marking their last release before Hibbert's death.

Rhoda Dakar, born in Hampstead, London, is a key figure in British ska, known for her rich vocals. She rose to fame in the 1980s with the Bodysnatchers, signed to 2-Tone. Notable songs include "Let's Do The Rocksteady" and "The Boiler" with Special A.K.A. After a period away, she returned with solo albums like "Cleaning In Another Woman's Kitchen" (2007) and "Version Girl" (2023). Dakar collaborated with Jerry Dammers, Terry Hall, and Lynval Golding, and is also active as a DJ and political activist.