On Marley’s 78th birthday, would he approve of how life is?
By Ian Woolley
Before his untimely death in 1986, the dreadlocked pioneer of reggae music was awarded a Peace Medal no less by the United Nations.
Bob Marley & the Wailers
Through his music which infused rocksteady and ska, he introduced the world to reggae music. Today had he lived, he would have been 78 years old.
Songs like No Woman No Cry, Redemption Song, and I Shot the Sheriff told of Jamaica’s struggle with poverty and racism that his musical message would overcome. Marley didn’t shy away from expressing his views on both. But what would he make of the world today? Both issues have still to be properly addressed by many of the leading countries.
On top of that even today, Jamaica is still one of the poorest countries in North America.
Although he died at the young age of 36, it wasn’t drugs or alcohol that took him – but skin cancer. And all after just four years after he survived an assassination attempt in his hometown.
His albums have sold over 75 million worldwide, with Time magazine naming “Exodus” the Album of the Century. It’s no secret that Marley was, and remains, a huge inspiration for Rastas, musicians, and to fans across the globe.
He believed in equality, fighting oppression, and giving hope to people who had none. If Bob was alive today, he would feel there is still a lot to do on that front in our world in 2023.
One Love, one heart. Let’s get together and feel all right.