Bob Marley of the Wailers. A new documentary highlights the 60th anniversary celebration of his birth that took place in Ethiopia in 2005.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
By Jairos Saunyama
Zimbabwe Herald
The family of the late reggae legend Bob Marley is expected to grace a concert to commemorate Zimbabwe’s 30th Independence anniversary at the Glamis Stadium in Harare on April 17.
The family, which includes the talented Ziggy, Damian, Sharon, Steve, Julian and Cedella, has confirmed the trip.
Show organiser Patrick Hundu of Studio City said the Marleys were coming to perform at this year’s Independence celebrations in the same manner their father was part of the festivities at the birth of an independent Zimbabwe in 1980.
"We were blessed as a nation when reggae icon Robert Nesta Marley came to perform in Zimbabwe at Rufaro Stadium on the 18th of April 1980.
"Now 30 years later, we continue to smile and reaffirm that we will never be a colony again.
"And we want the whole world to know as we call on our comrades and friends in the Diaspora to come and celebrate with us and the Marley Family, as they have already indicated strong interest in coming to perform in Zimbabwe," he said.
The celebrations, to be held under the theme "Together As One", will also see a Chinese Army Band performing to symbolise the good relations between China and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe and China are this year celebrating the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
The Marley Family will perform alongside Zimbabwe’s man of the moment Stunner, Leonard Mapfumo and Sulumani Chimbetu, among others.
Their visit will follow that of another Jamaican musician, Sizzla Kalonji, who performed at the 21st February Movement gala in Bulawayo and held a number of other shows in Harare.
Another Jamaican, dub poet and reggae star John Sinclair aka Yasus Afari, is billed to perform at this year’s Harare International Festival of the Arts.
The Chinese-Zimbabwean ties will also be celebrated with an exhibition where the two countries will showcase their cultures, including the traditional foods.
A soccer match between Zimbabwe’s Warriors and the Chinese national team is part of the entertainment programme.
The Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment is co-ordinating the event.
1 comment:
Ky-Mani Marley will NOT be performing at this event.
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