Bob Marley’s global impact was evident on Thursday as hundreds of reggae fans from across the world gathered at the late legend’s Old Hope Road home to commemorate what would have been his 80th birthday.

There was a “natural mystic blowing through the air” and patrons travelled from as far away as Switzerland and Ireland to soak in the action at the Bob Marley Museum.

From the pulsating beat of the keteh drum courtesy of the iconic Bongo Herman to the musical stylings of the grandchildren of the late reggae legend, the celebrations held under the theme ‘Join the Uprising’ was a most fitting tribute to the King of Reggae.

Under a tree in the Marley’s backyard, each performer served up renditions of classic hits from the legendary singer’s massive catalogue. Early performances from the likes of Runkus and Hezron had the audience enthralled. Runkus showcased his deejaying skills to transform the space into a “dancehall”. Audience members obediently followed Runkus’s instructions as they danced up a storm, sometimes hugging each other in a show of unity often missing from live events.

The show kicked into a higher gear when Ras-I touched the stage. Making his entrance to Marley’s mega hit Bad Card, Ras-I received heavy forwards from the crowd who requested an encore performance. Following up on that blazing start, Ras-I proceeded to take patrons on a journey to Somewhere Wonderful as he performed his own hit single. He then performed a rendition of his original track Kingman Thing before handing the mic over to Christopher Ellis.

Reggae royalty in his own right, Ellis served up a masterclass in vocal range, as he brought his own family’s rich musical legacy into the spotlight. As son of the late Alton Ellis, the singer showed off his range in a rendition of Forever Loving Jah. He also delivered a few of his original tracks, including Rub A Dub and Still Ago Dance.

Then it was time to embrace the Marley bloodline as Marley’s grandchildren Mystic Marley and Yohan Marley took to the stage.

Mystic Marley, the daughter of Stephen Marley, showed that the family’s musical legacy is in good hands as she performed her single, Energy. But just in case you had doubts about the Marley musical gene, her brother Yohan put those to rest as he too delivered a strong set. He performed a rendition of
Could You Be Loved and treated the audience to a special duet with Jesse Royal. The pair then performed their single Blessing.

Patrons, highlighting that the showcase was all they could have asked for and more, told Jamaica Observer’s Splash that they were happy to have been a part of the celebrations.

“I planned my vacation around this trip,” said Martha Bucher. “I love reggae music and I love Bob Marley, and so I wanted to be here to join the 80th birthday celebrations. I am so happy I was here to share in this moment. I was in the same space as his children and grandchildren and that was a blessing for me.”

Another patron, who had travelled from England, said while he vacations in Jamaica quite often, this was the first time he was on the island during Reggae Month and Bob Marley’s birthday.

“I’m excited about that. When I realised I would be here during this special time, I knew I had to come to the home of the reggae legend himself and be a part of his 80th birthday celebrations. Bob Marley’s music has impacted so many and, looking at everyone here today, you can see how much he meant to the world,” he said.

In attendance at the celebrations at the Bob Marley Museum were Lila Ike, Tarrus Riley, Spragga Benz, Rohan Marley, Cedella Marley, Julian Marley, Naomi Cowan, and Protoje.