Today , reggae artistes, insiders, and fans will make the annual pilgrimage to 56 Hope Road in Kingston — former home of Bob Marley — to celebrate his 74th birthday. This year’s theme is “Catch A Fire”, named after The Wailers’ 1973 album.

Sabrina Webster, marketing manager for Bob Marley Group of Companies, said the tribute is fitting given Marley’s enormous contribution.

“It is important to remember one of the greats in the music business, who helped to put reggae on the map. He assisted in spreading reggae’s music and its message globally,” Webster told the Jamaica Observer. “We have to try to incorporate the music and message in our everyday lives, and the message is love. We also have to ensure the next generation is aware of this.”

Activities are slated to begin at 7:00 am and will include: blowing of the abeng; cultural drumming; cutting of a birthday cake, accompanied by the traditional welcome and highlights of the Bob Marley Foundation’s projects.

There will also be performances by schools including Charlie Smith High School, St Andrew Preparatory, Mona High School, Merl Grove High School and King’s Gate Preparatory.

Symposiums include Light It Up! Youths under the influence of Music; and Igniting Your Career in Music: Tips from Music Industry Experts.

A reggae jam session begins at 3:00 pm and will showcase Bob Marley’s 74th Ambassadors featuring rising stars such as Koffee, Naomi Cowan, Vanessa Bongo, 5 Star and Notis Heavyweight Rockaz, as well as Bongo Herman, Agent Sasco, Vershon, Iba Mahr, and Richie Spice.

Last Sunday, the Bob Marley “One Love” Festival and Rasta Fair was held to celebrate Marley at the North Beach Amphitheatre in Durban, South Africa.

“There is no doubt that my father’s music played an important role in placing reggae and Jamaica on the world stage. Championing love while fighting against oppression and injustice through music was my father’s passion,” said Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies. “The potent lyrics in my father’s message, even today, still reverberate throughout the world. Our 2019 theme, “Catch A Fire”, encourages everyone to find their passion and fearlessly pursue it with such intensity that it positively impacts the world.”

Marley died of cancer on May 11, 1981. He was 36.