THE 1970s could easily be described as a decade of political disillusionment in Jamaica, with several calls for Jamaican youth to lift their voices for social justice. None spoke more loudly and clearly than Bob Marley, whose musical angst inspired people to Get Up, Stand Up to those who oppressed them in the Concrete Jungle.

Musicologist Dr Dennis Howard believes Marley’s music came at a time of heightened black consciousness.

“Marley’s messages were in the tradition of Marcus Garvey and Rastafari, which promoted self-love, respect for self, respect for others, universal love, self-reliance, economic growth and unity, especially among black people,” says Howard.

“This philosophy was skilfully articulated through melodies and powerful bass lines by Bob and the Wailers,” he added.

More than 30 years after his death, the music continues to inspire as it is passed down from generation to generation. Marley’s music is proof of the power that resonates from honest lyrics sung by a naturally gifted artiste.

“Music is a very powerful tool to inspire people to move toward unity and equity. When you have unity and equity in a society, then peace will follow,” asserts Dr Howard.

“Like all great musicians, he covered numerous issues and realities within the post-colonial environment which made him the person he was,” said Howard. Marley and several of his contemporaries inspired a generation’s consciousness. He helped to transform post-colonial Jamaica into a society of independent thinkers.

THE GREAT TASK TO RIDE ON

Today, Marley’s legend is carefully preserved by the Bob Marley Foundation which is tasked with promulgating his message and carrying on the legacy of the reggae king.

“The challenging part is managing the sense of entitlement and expectations, and what’s “best for Bob” in everyone’s opinion,” says Marie Bruce, general manager of the Bob Marley Group of Companies.

As one of Jamaica’s most prolific icons there are many stakeholders, including the Jamaican public, many of whom have been calling on the Government to name him a national hero.

“The foundation gets lots of input. It’s usually driven by the passion and intense love that Bob Marley’s fans, employees of the family-related companies, the media, various stakeholders, basically everyone has for Bob Marley,” says Bruce.

One of the foundation’s consistent messages is love, and it has used this platform as a common thread throughout its activities to celebrate Bob Marley’s 71st birthday. Among them, the annual Masters & Celebrities One Love Football Competition, now in its 35th year. The competition which will take place on Ash Wednesday, February 10, will bring together footballers from the Red Stripe Premier League, French player Charly B, artistes such as Evie of No-Maddz, local referees, and more. It will be held at the Arnett Gardens Sports Complex.

Beyond the birthday celebrations, the Bob Marley Foundation has forged strategic partnerships to continue the philanthropic tradition of Marley. Through initiatives such as the recently launched Women Helping Others Achieve, the foundation will help to ensure lasting benefits for vulnerable young women and families in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.