KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of the birth of Robert Nesta Marley took place on Thursday at the Bob Marley Museum at 56 Hope Road, which served as the focal point for local tributes on the annual observance of Bob Marley Day.

Declared a national day of recognition by the Jamaican Government in 1991, Bob Marley Day brought together family members, fans, students and performers for a programme spanning cultural ceremony and live music.

Activities began with a morning ceremony featuring the blowing of the Abeng, traditional drumming and a blessing from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The ceremony was hosted by reigning Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Brithney Clarke alongside Sister Mitzie. Students from schools across the island participated through musical and spoken-word performances, including representatives from the Alpha School of Music, Saint Andrew Preparatory School, Haile Selassie High School and Voicebox.

The afternoon segment, titled Live at Bob’s, was hosted by Emprezz Golding and featured performances by Ras-I, Samory I, Jemere Morgan, Naomi Cowan, Haile Celestial, Jaz Elize, Jah Lil, Karbon, Complex Ricki, Madeline and Bongo Herman. Several artistes shared personal reflections on Marley alongside renditions of reggae classics.

Members of the Marley family were in attendance, including Stephen Marley, Juju Marley and Stephanie Marley, as well as several of Bob Marley’s grandchildren. Yohan Marley headlined the Live at Bob’s performances.

Tributes were also paid to recently deceased Jamaican music figures Jimmy Cliff, Cat Coore and drummer Sly Dunbar.

Following the programme at the museum, attendees were transported to Emancipation Park for the official Bob Marley Tribute concert produced by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in collaboration with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. Stephen Marley headlined the concert, delivering a performance dedicated to his father.