by Karl Rodney
As we remember Bob Marley on what would have been his 78th birthday, we can’t help but reflect on the musical magic and endurance of Bob Marley’s music, a music that has transformed the world and has brought a consciousness in so many people and of all generations and has had such an impact on activism consciousness that it has to be called, as they would say, dubbed as a prophet. Growing up in one of the most impoverished areas in Jamaica, Trench Town, during a period in Jamaica’s history where the political temperature was high and violence was widespread.
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Bob Marley experienced those negative conditions but recognized them for what they were, but never dampened his positive twists on life in his music and his pronouncements. Through his consciousness messages portrayed in a new musical genre -reggae, he impacted the world and change the thinking of so many.
Bringing light to dark situations, bringing hope to an oppressed people, and a determination to people who were active in making a difference.
His messages were powerful and positive, and those messages were heard around the world from songs such as “Africa Unite”, “Redemption Song”, “Rat Race”, “Get Up – Stand Up”, and of course, “One Love” and so many more, he has brought to the world through music a path.
A path, to work together, live together in respect for one another.
He shared a great love for nature and a heart that beat for equality and justice in the world.
His messages were universal in their nature and a plea, a cry for unity among all people.
So as we remember, Bob Marley let us pay attention to his messages and look at the real value they bring to life and livelihood and how we can truly say he was a musical prophet and one who we can be guided by through his words – then, now and in the future.
