Party in his homeland
The late, iconic reggae star Bob Marley is set to be remembered in his homeland with a landmark concert to mark what would have been his 70th birthday.
The artist, who is famous for worldwide hits such as No Woman No Cry and One Love, will be honoured by the people of Jamaica and fans from across the world with a musical tribute to the man who dedicated his life to music.
Activities to mark what would have been Marley’s 70th birthday will take place on February 6 at the Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road and Tuff Gong Studio on Marcus Garvey Drive.
Activities will include symposiums on reggae music and reggae jam sessions with Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid and Nomaddz.
Stars from the world of music will come together on February 7 at Kingston’s Waterfront to continue the celebration in honour of the music legend’s contribution to reggae.
Three of Bob Marley’s sons – Stephen, Damian and Kymani – will headline the free concert with other music legends including the likes of Tarrus Riley, Marcia Griffith and Lauryn Hill set to perform to the crowds.
Thousands of fans are expected to pay homage and head to Bob’s homeland to mark the anniversary.
The concert will feature as part of an annual month-long celebration dubbed ‘Reggae Month: It’s Kingston for February’ that will see Jamaica celebrate its roots as the home of reggae with a busy calendar of activities starting from today.
Base for celebrations
Meanwhile, in the UK, which was Marley’s base for many years in the 1970s, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is launching a social media campaign asking people to share details of how they plan to celebrate the star’s birthday on February 6.
The JTB is seeking news and images from those lucky enough to be setting off to Marley’s homeland to commemorate the date, those who will be donning rasta wigs in his honour, videos of future reggae stars singing one of Marley’s hits or even those who will have his famous records Legend and Exodus on repeat all day long.
Music-filled month
Reggae Month: It’s Kingston for February aims to use reggae music and its cultural significance to attract visitors to Jamaica’s capital, Kingston.
Events include everything from family-friendly festivals and music performances, to food and cultural events, as well as international reggae conferences and lectures.
The month of celebrations will close with an exclusive awards ceremony by The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association on February 28.
Genre veterans John Holt and Hopeton Lewis will be recognised posthumously for their contribution to reggae music.
Those lucky enough to be in Jamaica for the landmark date and are looking to party in to the early hours can head to Negril on the island’s west coast for the Bob Marley Birthday Bash, a week-long celebration.
This is now in its 23rd year and between today and February 6 will host a reggae party, live bands and tribute acts.