Bob Marley

Bob Marley

Bob Marley (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981), born Nesta Robert Marley which was later to be changed by passport officials to Robert Nesta Marley, was a Jamaican singer-songwriter, guitarist, and activist. He was the most widely known writer and performer of reggae, and more specifically roots reggae. He is famous for popularising the genre outside of Jamaica and the Caribbean. Much of his music dealt with the struggles of the spiritually wealthy rasta and/or spiritually powerful Jah Rastafari.

Bob Marley was a member of this Rastafari movement, whose culture was a key element in the development of reggae. Bob Marley became the leading proponent of the Rastafari, taking their music out of socially deprived areas of Jamaica and onto the international music scene.

Now considered a “Rasta” prophet, Marley’s adoption of the characteristic Rastafarian dreadlocks and famous use of marijuana as a sacred sacrament in the late sixties were an integral part of his persona. He is said to have entered every performance proclaiming the divinity of Jah Rastafari.

A few months before his death, Marley was baptised into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and took the name Berhane Selassie (meaning the Light of the Holy Trinity in Amharic).

His best known crossover songs are a mixture of reggae, rock, and rhythm and blues, which include “I Shot the Sheriff”, “No Woman No Cry”, “Exodus”, “Could You Be Loved”, “Jamming”, and “Redemption Song”. His posthumous album Legend (1984) became the best-selling reggae album ever, with sales of more than 12 million copies.

Although I’ve listened to Bob Marley’s music time and time again, I never really knew the fullness of who he was and what impact he made on the world. Bob Marley was truly a gift. During a time of racial inequalities and political turmoil, he used his music to raise awareness and reinforce action; all the while spreading a message of unity and love. At his height, he was one of the most powerful black political activist of his time. What I loved most about Bob Marley is that he was an activist by birth and he never denied that calling. His passion for music and people wasn’t driven by social or monetary gain. His drive was innate and he knew that it was his mission to fulfill his divine purpose. Bob’s music was wonderful but I believe that it was his spirit that drew people and the realness thereof.

Imagine the wonderful difference he could have made today. There aren’t many artists out who have a true love, not only for the music, but also for the people. The artist who do promote positiveness are but a small portion of the sea of negativity that we are inundated with on a regular basis. What happened to artist such as Bob who felt that they had a charge in life to help mankind? It’s never too late to make a change and we can all learn from this legend. Bob Marley, a beautiful example of oneness and love gone too soon.

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