After forty years of his demise, the vocal legacy of Bob Marley seems indelible among the Black people. Born Robert Nestor Marley, his quiet, yet loud voice had always waken the social, political, and inspirational consciousness of people as a resilient Pan-Africanist.
Born on February 6, 1945, Bob Marley lived a humble life as he promoted freedom for poor and oppressed people, social equality, and justice. Bob Marley was one of the pioneer revolutionist using the tool of music to fight for freedom and hope of people. This was however, evident in his dreadnought stance against oppression of all sorts. Outside Jamaica and particularly in Africa, he was Marley the pro-poor political emissary.
In a 1979 interview in New Zealand, Marley put to rest any doubts about his personality, saying “Yeah, I see myself as a revolutionary who has no help and takes no bribe from no one. I fight it single-handed–with music!”.
Till date, the energy of his songs continue to resonate with reggae music lovers, music art, enthusiasts.
The release of the album ‘’ Catch a fire’’ put Bob Marley at the top of reggae music. He passed away just 8 months after his last concert in Pittsburgh.
The 40th anniversary of the passing of this legend will also mark the first time that three founding members of the Wailers, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, and Bunny Wailer are reunited in the afterlife.
Before his death, Bob Marley had looked forward to expanding his audience away from his home country, Jamaica.
According to American archivist, Roger Steffens,”the biggest disappointment of Marly’s life was his inability to appeal to African-American audiences”. He added the late singer would succeed, but after his death.
