This is the fifth of a seven-part feature, commissioned by Red Stripe, celebrating the life and legacy of the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley, OM, on the 71st anniversary of his birth.

“My life is only important if I can help plenty people. If my life is just me, my one security, then mi nuh want it.”

Bob Marley made that emphatic declaration in a 1978 television interview in New York. That philiosphy echoes throughout his music in songs like Pass It On from his 1973 album Burnin’. Marley was known for his generosity, and that altruism is carried on through the work of the Bob Marley Foundation.

Founded in 1986, the organisation assists a number of communities, schools and cultural groups.

“The growth is boundless and simply incredible for a legacy that has been ongoing for 31 years,” says Marie Bruce, general manager of the Bob Marley Group Of Companies, of which the foundation is a part.

Beyond the entity, there are also several initiatives bearing the Marley name, including Marley for Education, Marley for Health and a slew of Marley social welfare projects.

For Bruce and her team, managing it all is challenging, but not without reward.

“Our task is controlling the exciting, massive growth and opportunities which present themselves daily as the brand continues to ride on and expand globally,” says Bruce.

The growth of the foundation, and by extension Marley’s legacy, has been steadily supported by numerous contributors to the various charitable arms of the entity.

Key partnerships also facilitate the mission of the foundation. For the celebration of Marley’s 71st birthday, Bruce collaborated with the Sandals Foundation and together they launched Women Helping Others Achieve (WHOA).

Securing A Musical Legacy

In keeping with Marley’s legacy of delivering electrifying performances, celebratory events for Bob’s ‘earthstrong’ will include two concerts, the first of which is the One Love Music Festival in Montego Bay, St. James.

The two-day musical experience, sponsored by Red Stripe and Digicel, runs from February 4-5 at Rose Hall, featuring performing artistes such as Akon, Ky-mani Marley, Morgan Heritage and Tessanne Chin.

The music explosion continues in Kingston on February 7 with the Redemption Live Concert to be held at Sabina Park. Organisers say the annual concert is an opportunity to pay homage to the music master himself and will feature the 2016 Bob Marley Celebrations ambassadors Jesse Royal, Kelissa McDonald and Iba Mahr.