The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley

Bob Marley whose birthday is celebrated today is remembered as many things to many people.  To some he is father, teacher, student, leader, preacher, revolutionary fighter, fearless spirit.  To me he is all those things and more.  Which is why 28 years after his physical passing, we can still say that he is.  He is very much alive, his spirit lives in the many people who have been touched by his pronouncements of world solidarity, equal rights, justice and the struggle against oppression, whether at home or abroad.

Today I lift up my voice to reflect, not remember, on one of the greatest influences in my life thus far.  Bob Marley introduced me to the ideas that have shaped much of my world view; he spoke to a child’s heart and mind and caused me to think about things in a way that no one else around me seemed willing to say.

He was considered an outcast at a time when I could relate to that.

Coming from humble beginnings and rising to international fame, he is better known today than during the course of his brief yet, profoundly impactful life.  His image conjures up thoughts of struggle and the promise of the victory of good over evil.  A child of mixed racial heritage, he determined to bring the world a message of inclusiveness rather than exclusivity.  He desired that people be not judges of others, and thou a proud black man, believed in the total uplift of the human family.

As the only western artist invited to the independence celebrations of Zimbabwe, he stood as Africa’s voice for revolutionary change.

The entire nation of Jamaica is benefitted by his having taken his message, music, and beliefs across the globe.  Any visit to this island finds everything from books, to food, to ganja being marketed using his name.

Why one wonders has there never been a movie made about his life, we continue to ask.

From songs like “Catch a Fire” to “Get up, Stand up” his music continues to inspire generation after generation, proving him correct in saying:

“them a go tired fe see we face, them can’t get we out of the race.” (Bad Card)

Rasta prophet, he is, among many other things, I thank God for his life and for his work.  A work that continues to this very moment.

Long live The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley!

Bro Richard

Advertisement