Bob Marley Remembered in Zimbabwe

Bob Marley of the Wailers. A new documentary highlights the 60th anniversary celebration of his birth that took place in Ethiopia in 2005., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Bob Marley remembered

Wednesday, 09 May 2012 00:00
Richmore Tera Arts Correpondent
Zimbabwe Herald

ZIMBABWEANS will this Saturday join the rest of the world in commemorating the life of the late reggae music legend, Bob Marley, who died on May 11 1981 after succumbing to terminal cancer at the age of 36.

Born Robert Nester Marley, the iconic star, transformed the world with his revolutionary songs that inspired many people and societies especially those grappling with colonisation, injustice and slavery.

Marley’s visit to Zimbabwe on the country’s first Independence Day celebrations held 32 years ago at Rufaro Stadium in Harare remains engraved in the minds of many.

It is in that spirit that local reggae musicians — at the behest of Jamaican-born artiste Ras Jabu real name Trevor Hall — have been holding annual events to mark the death of the reggae exponent.

This year’s edition of the commemorations dubbed “Bob Marley’s 31st Commemoration: A Tribute to Freedom” will see more than 30 reggae musicians and groups performing at the Harare Gardens this Saturday in a family bash that starts at midday.

Ras Jabu described the bash as a mixed bag of reggae music that will afford fans of Marley’s music to enjoy as families and friends while remembering him.

“It is going to be a family fun day with a mixed bag of reggae artistes. Young reggae artistes will also have a chance to perform at the bash whose type of music will mainly be conscious and lovers’ rock reggae in keeping with what Marley represented.

“Some of the musicians will sing his (Marley)’s songs on the day in addition to their own original compositions.

“It is going to be a day out for families and friends to come and enjoy themselves as there will be other arts forms and crafts on display, apart from music,” Ras Jabu said.

He added that kids will be treated to various games including jumping castles while a full bar and catering will be on offer for adults.

Some of the artistes expected to perform at the bash include Transit Crew, Mic Inity backed by the Hotta Fyah outfit, Ras Jabu and Crucial Mix, Junior Banton, Mathias Julius, Lady Thanda, Mannex, Guspy Warrior, King Kodza, Sister Sunshine, Daddza D, House of Stone, Master Sound and Star Time among others.

However, although the major bash will be held on Saturday, the commemorations will start with a jam session to be held at the Basement in Harare on Friday night.

On Saturday, night, the Sports Diner will explode to the music of artistes like Ras Jabu, Mannex, Jay Farai, Lady Thanda, Chaza and Calabash in another commemorative session to Marley.

Marley had a catalogue of hit albums and songs that still make an a huge impact today.

He composed and released the song “Zimbabwe” in tribute for this country upon the attainment of independence in 1980.