KINGSTON, Jamaica — The iconic reggae anthem ’54-46 (That’s My Number)’ by Toots and the Maytals has achieved a significant commercial milestone, securing gold certification in New Zealand. This recognition arrives three years after the track received an equivalent honor in the United Kingdom.
The New Zealand Music Industry official certification was awarded after the song amassed over 15,000 units in combined sales and streaming equivalents within the country. Originally pressed on a Beverly’s label vinyl 45 rpm single in 1968 under the production of legendary producer Leslie Kong, the track saw a digital re-release in 2004, greatly expanding its accessibility to a new generation of listeners.
A definitive hit for the group, ’54-46′ dominated local charts upon its initial release, securing the #1 position and solidifying its status as a signature track in their extensive catalog. The song’s enduring cultural relevance is further evidenced by its prominent placements in major film and television productions. It featured in the sci-fi thriller ‘Repo Men,’ the critically acclaimed series ‘Narcos: Mexico,’ and provided the powerful soundtrack for the opening titles of Shane Meadows’ 2006 British drama ‘This is England.’
The award comes as a posthumous tribute to the band’s frontman, the revered Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 77. A foundational figure in popularizing reggae music globally, Hibbert’s legacy includes two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album: one in 2005 for ‘True Love’ and another, awarded posthumously, in 2021 for ‘Got to Be Tough.’