A piece of the group at Bob Marley Museum on Thursday to have fun what would have been the late singer’s eightieth birthday. (Picture: Garfield Robinson)
Bob Marley’s international impression was evident on Thursday as lots of of reggae followers from the world over gathered on the late legend’s Outdated Hope Highway house to commemorate what would have been his eightieth birthday.
There was a “pure mystic blowing by way of the air” and patrons travelled from as far-off as Switzerland and Eire to soak within the motion on the Bob Marley Museum.
From the pulsating beat of the keteh drum courtesy of the long-lasting Bongo Herman to the musical stylings of the grandchildren of the late reggae legend, the celebrations held beneath the theme ‘Be a part of the Rebellion’ was a most becoming tribute to the King of Reggae.
Underneath a tree within the Marley’s yard, every performer served up renditions of traditional hits from the legendary singer’s huge catalogue. Early performances from the likes of Runkus and Hezron had the viewers enthralled. Runkus showcased his deejaying abilities to remodel the area right into a “dancehall”. Viewers members obediently adopted Runkus’s directions as they danced up a storm, generally hugging one another in a present of unity usually lacking from stay occasions.
The present kicked into a better gear when Ras-I touched the stage. Making his entrance to Marley’s mega hit Unhealthy Card, Ras-I obtained heavy forwards from the group who requested an encore efficiency. Following up on that blazing begin, Ras-I proceeded to take patrons on a journey to Someplace Great as he carried out his personal hit single. He then carried out a rendition of his unique observe Kingman Factor earlier than handing the mic over to Christopher Ellis.
Reggae royalty in his personal proper, Ellis served up a masterclass in vocal vary, as he introduced his circle of relatives’s wealthy musical legacy into the highlight. As son of the late Alton Ellis, the singer confirmed off his vary in a rendition of Endlessly Loving Jah. He additionally delivered just a few of his unique tracks, together with Rub A Dub and Nonetheless In the past 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, confirmed that the household’s musical legacy is in good arms as she carried out her single, Vitality. However simply in case you had doubts in regards to the Marley musical gene, her brother Yohan put these to relaxation as he too delivered a robust set. He carried out a rendition of
May You Be Cherished and handled the viewers to a particular duet with Jesse Royal. The pair then carried out their single Blessing.
Patrons, highlighting that the showcase was all they may have requested for and extra, instructed Jamaica Observer’s Splash that they have been joyful to have been part of the celebrations.
“I deliberate my trip round this journey,” stated Martha Bucher. “I really like reggae music and I really like Bob Marley, and so I wished to be right here to affix the eightieth birthday celebrations. I’m so joyful I used to be right here to share on this second. I used to be in the identical area as his youngsters and grandchildren and that was a blessing for me.”
One other patron, who had travelled from England, stated whereas he holidays in Jamaica very often, this was the primary time he was on the island throughout Reggae Month and Bob Marley’s birthday.
“I’m enthusiastic about that. After I realised I might be right here throughout this particular time, I knew I needed to come to the house of the reggae legend himself and be part of his eightieth birthday celebrations. Bob Marley’s music has impacted so many and, taking a look at everybody right here as we speak, you may see how a lot he meant to the world,” he stated.
In attendance on the celebrations on the Bob Marley Museum have been Lila Ike, Tarrus Riley, Spragga Benz, Rohan Marley, Cedella Marley, Julian Marley, Naomi Cowan, and Protoje.
