61 years of Bob Marley
So, did the legendary Bob Marley die with lice in his dreads? That was the bone of contention, as thousands descended on the National Theatre “green†to celebrate the legend’s birthday on Monday.
So, did the legendary Bob Marley die with lice in his dreads? That was the bone of contention, as thousands descended on the National Theatre “green†to celebrate the legend’s birthday on Monday.
Basing on earlier press reports that the reggae idol died with eight different species of lice in his dreads, the Rastafarian community fumed: “How can the press say that the father of Reggae died with lice in his dreads? Don’t they know that cancer turned him bald before his death? Can a bald man have lice? Woe unto them, bad people. Only Jah will judge them,†reggae ambassador, Ras Jingo rallied the Rastafarians, who chanted, “Yah Man†in unison.
The second controversy was the performance of Morgan Heritage’s Don’t haffi Dread by the guest Kenyan Big Matata Reggae Band. While they got every move, every voice and all the acts right, the song that sent older reggae fans up in arms against the artiste was not for the day. But they know Heritage remained true Rastafari after he apologised. Just reason enough to get every one to their feet.
The blend of muchomo smoke and weed was another story.
Performances by new reggae outfit, Ruts Rokaz, with reggae songs in Luganda and playing some Robert Marley popular songs had the hysterical fans dance. Black Roots Unlimited relived the life of Marley himself, at least in performance. Godfrey Nyakaana, an aspiring candidate for the Kampala Central seat, to many people’s surprise, showed true brotherhood when he stepped onto the stage and said nothing of politics, save for singing for the hero. If only all Rastafarians voted?
It is the only birthday party, which is not a celebration of being born, but a celebration of life well spent. For few sang the birthday song before the cutting of the bread (it is not cake for Rastafarians). We can only imagine its contents as it (the bread) disappeared back stage.
In the 61 years of Bob Marley, this is one where his followers vowed to be disciplined, have maximum respect for everyone (“One People, One Loveâ€) and constantly bathe.
With such a boost for Bob Marley, he will live forever, as long as Ugandan Rastafarians live. Going by the number of young children who chorused the icon’s lyrics throughout the night, posterity promises more. Jah Bless!
Ends
Basing on earlier press reports that the reggae idol died with eight different species of lice in his dreads, the Rastafarian community fumed: “How can the press say that the father of Reggae died with lice in his dreads? Don’t they know that cancer turned him bald before his death? Can a bald man have lice? Woe unto them, bad people. Only Jah will judge them,†reggae ambassador, Ras Jingo rallied the Rastafarians, who chanted, “Yah Man†in unison.
The second controversy was the performance of Morgan Heritage’s Don’t haffi Dread by the guest Kenyan Big Matata Reggae Band. While they got every move, every voice and all the acts right, the song that sent older reggae fans up in arms against the artiste was not for the day. But they know Heritage remained true Rastafari after he apologised. Just reason enough to get every one to their feet.
The blend of muchomo smoke and weed was another story.
Performances by new reggae outfit, Ruts Rokaz, with reggae songs in Luganda and playing some Robert Marley popular songs had the hysterical fans dance. Black Roots Unlimited relived the life of Marley himself, at least in performance. Godfrey Nyakaana, an aspiring candidate for the Kampala Central seat, to many people’s surprise, showed true brotherhood when he stepped onto the stage and said nothing of politics, save for singing for the hero. If only all Rastafarians voted?
It is the only birthday party, which is not a celebration of being born, but a celebration of life well spent. For few sang the birthday song before the cutting of the bread (it is not cake for Rastafarians). We can only imagine its contents as it (the bread) disappeared back stage.
In the 61 years of Bob Marley, this is one where his followers vowed to be disciplined, have maximum respect for everyone (“One People, One Loveâ€) and constantly bathe.
With such a boost for Bob Marley, he will live forever, as long as Ugandan Rastafarians live. Going by the number of young children who chorused the icon’s lyrics throughout the night, posterity promises more. Jah Bless!
Ends