ENTERTAINMENT

Reggae star Peter Tosh receives gov't honour 25 years after death

The Associated Press Published Monday, October 15, 2012 12:56PM EDT Last Updated Monday, October 15, 2012 12:57PM EDT

In this Dec. 16, 1978 file photo, Mick Jagger, left, of the Rolling Stones, joins Jamaica's reggae musician Peter Tosh during a rehearsal for NBC's 'Saturday Night Live,' program in New York. (AP / File)

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KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Jamaica's government is honouring firebrand reggae star Peter Tosh 25 years after his murder.

Tosh's daughter Niambe received the posthumous "order of merit" on Monday for her father's musical contributions during a national awards ceremony. It's Jamaica's third-highest honour.

Tosh is one of Jamaica's musical giants. He was a founding member of the Wailers, forming the three-man core of the group with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. Tosh left the band in 1973.

His solo albums and his work with the Wailers helped make reggae known internationally.

The outspoken Tosh was known for denouncing apartheid and calling for the legalization of marijuana. Fans say the lanky, baritone singer and guitarist was a mesmerizing performer.

Tosh was killed in 1987 by robbers. He was 42.