To borrow a phrase from Shakespeare, the 200,000 people expected to gather for a historic concert in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, today will come to praise Bob Marley but not to bury him.

The Africa Unite concert was dreamt up as the culmination of a week of celebrations, which begin today, in memory of the 60th anniversary of the birth of the late reggae superstar. Tonight, the life of one of the most iconic musical figures of the late 20th century will be celebrated at a spectacular opening ceremony at Addis Ababa city hall.

But the festivities have been almost overshadowed by an almighty row over Marley's final resting place. As plans for the week were being enthusiastically finalised, a thunderbolt came from nowhere: Ethiopia was briefly set to be not just the venue for a music festival but a mausoleum for the remains of a man who has become a symbol of the culture of his native country, Jamaica.

The suggestion was made by Marley's wife, Rita, who was in Addis to organise the concert and its related events. According to the Associated Press news agency reporter Anthony Mitchell, Ms Marley told him: "We are working on bringing his remains to Ethiopia. It is part of Bob's own mission." In what was promptly taken as a slight on the Caribbean nation with whom Marley's name is synonymous, Rita allegedly added:

"Bob's whole life is about Africa, it is not about Jamaica. How can you give up a continent for an island? He has a right for his remains to be where he would love them to be. This was his mission. Ethiopia is his spiritual resting place. With the 60th anniversary this year, the impact is there and the time is right."

- From the The Independent

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