At the 2024 BET Awards held on Sunday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, USA, “One Love,” the Paramount Pictures biopic depicting the life of reggae icon Bob Marley, emerged victorious in the Best Movie category.
Cedella Marley, Bob Marley’s daughter and one of the film’s producers, expressed her elation at the win, emphasizing the significance of Bob Marley’s connection with black culture in the United States. She highlighted how the film reflects her father’s understanding of being a black man in America during his time.
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She said, “It’s a great feeling. The BET Awards are all about recognising and celebrating black American entertainment and culture. One Love winning best movie is a reflection of Bob Marley’s resonance with black culture in the United States. Daddy spent time living and working in Delaware and knew what it was to be a black man in America during that time. As he said in Roots Rock Reggae, ‘Play I on the R&B. I want all MY people to see’.”
The movie, starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as Marley and Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley, was directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. Cedella commended the dedicated efforts of the entire production team, cast, and crew that contributed to the film’s success.
Marley also shared, “A lot of work went into making the film. What you see on the screen is the result of every member of our production team, cast, and crew giving their all.”
Released globally on February 14, “Bob Marley: One Love” ranked as the ninth highest-grossing film in the United States, grossing over US$179.4 million worldwide. Cedella Marley also praised the casting process, particularly the performances of Kingsley and Lashana, alongside the sons of the Wailers stepping into their fathers’ roles.
She said, “…Kingsley and Lashana were amazing, and seeing the Wailers’ sons step into the roles of their fathers was incredible.”
Additionally, at the BET Awards, YG Marley, son of Rohan Marley, performed with his mother Lauryn Hill, showcasing his new single “Survival” and the chart-topping “Praise Jah in the Moonlight,” which has achieved gold certification in the United States and platinum status in Canada.
The legend of Bob Marley lives on!
Other Good News for Caribbean Artists at BET Awards
Dancehall artist Skillibeng brought some Jamaican flair to the 2024 BET Awards stage for the second time, performing alongside South African singer Tyla and American rapper Gunna on their Billboard-charting hit, “Jump.”
“Jump,” a track from Tyla’s self-titled debut album, has been making waves on rhythmic radio in the United States and has secured spots on multiple Billboard charts. It peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, and No. 38 on the UK Singles chart. On the US Afrobeats Songs chart, “Jump” returned to its original peak at #3.
In 2023, Skillibeng participated in a tribute to Busta Rhymes, who had received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 staging.
The BET Awards were held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, where Tyla won two awards: Best International Act (Africa) and Best New Artist. Although Tyla is South-African, she is managed by Jamaican Colin Gayle, originally from Manchester, so it’s a win for the Caribbean.
