BOB MARLEY: THE LEGEND STILL LIVES
There is a legend that when Bob Marley died, eight new species of lice were found in his dreadlocks. I
By Titus Serunjogi
There is a legend that when Bob Marley died, eight new species of lice were found in his dreadlocks. It is 24 years since Marley died, but the legend still lives on. Reggae fans across the world are preparing to celebrate Marley’s 61st birthday.
Ras B Ssali, the event organiser in Uganda, said there will be a big party at the National Theater on February 6, which will feature Tanzanian presenter Sista Dread and Big Matata, a reggae band from Kenya.
Expect to hear all the best from Angela Kalule and Tshaka Raama of the Black Roots Unlimited, The Reggae Rockaz, the Blood Brothers, Bebe Cool, Mesach Semakula and Jeckaki Band.
There will also be an opportunity for crooners to mime their favourite Marley tracks. Rrevellers at the Musicians’ Club recently spoke about how Marley still lives on and this is what they said.
Mesach Semakula, singer
I’m not a Rastafarian, but I respect Bob Marley because he sang with such conviction that made people love his lyrics. I think No Woman No Cry will never die out from the public conscience.
Pierre Bussiere, Cultural coordinator Alliance Francaise
Bob is a legend because he took up native African music and repackaged it to make the new reggae groove, which took the whole world by storm. Today, it is the universal rhythm. People all over the world can now appreciate an Afro-centric rhythm. But the true charm of reggae music is that it is a comfort for the downtrodden, and we all are. Life is full of pains, but Bob Marley is always there to heal us, while urging us to keep jamming.
Mosh Sendi, Reggae artiste
Marley popularised reggae music when the world was being fed on European pop. He brought back the beats and rhythms that our grandfathers invented thousands of years ago. His lyrics are so conscious, honest and yet humorous. Marley makes me feel proud to be an African.
Jingo Kasujja, Rastafarians’ ambassador, coordinator of the Amakula Film Festival
Marley united all Africa’s children who are scattered across the world. His message will remain relevant for generations to come. In Africa Unite, he sings of slave trade and also reminds us that whites have removed the chains from our feet and put them onto our minds.
Angela Kalule, Sanyu FM radio presenter and vocalist for Black Roots Unlimited
Bob Marley’s music is kind of addictive, just like a drug. You can never grow weary of listening to it. It is sentimental, but in a natural way. I just like the way he sings. On his birthday, I just want to go upstage and sing my heart out: I don’ wanna wait in vain for your love.
No Creature, pop artiste
Marley represents the flesh and blood of all the children of Africa. He encouragd love and a spirit of brotherhood and reminded Africans that we are all children of one mother. If we all followed Marley’s philosophy, we would live in harmony.
Brenda Shaniz, Zipa model
Sometimes, I get the feeling that Bob is still alive. I just love his music! His birthday is always an opportunity for me to dance along to Buffalo Soldier. It is just so exciting. I often like losing myself to the redemption song, which is hypnotising, yet natural.
There is a legend that when Bob Marley died, eight new species of lice were found in his dreadlocks. It is 24 years since Marley died, but the legend still lives on. Reggae fans across the world are preparing to celebrate Marley’s 61st birthday.
Ras B Ssali, the event organiser in Uganda, said there will be a big party at the National Theater on February 6, which will feature Tanzanian presenter Sista Dread and Big Matata, a reggae band from Kenya.
Expect to hear all the best from Angela Kalule and Tshaka Raama of the Black Roots Unlimited, The Reggae Rockaz, the Blood Brothers, Bebe Cool, Mesach Semakula and Jeckaki Band.
There will also be an opportunity for crooners to mime their favourite Marley tracks. Rrevellers at the Musicians’ Club recently spoke about how Marley still lives on and this is what they said.
Mesach Semakula, singer
I’m not a Rastafarian, but I respect Bob Marley because he sang with such conviction that made people love his lyrics. I think No Woman No Cry will never die out from the public conscience.
Pierre Bussiere, Cultural coordinator Alliance Francaise
Bob is a legend because he took up native African music and repackaged it to make the new reggae groove, which took the whole world by storm. Today, it is the universal rhythm. People all over the world can now appreciate an Afro-centric rhythm. But the true charm of reggae music is that it is a comfort for the downtrodden, and we all are. Life is full of pains, but Bob Marley is always there to heal us, while urging us to keep jamming.
Mosh Sendi, Reggae artiste
Marley popularised reggae music when the world was being fed on European pop. He brought back the beats and rhythms that our grandfathers invented thousands of years ago. His lyrics are so conscious, honest and yet humorous. Marley makes me feel proud to be an African.
Jingo Kasujja, Rastafarians’ ambassador, coordinator of the Amakula Film Festival
Marley united all Africa’s children who are scattered across the world. His message will remain relevant for generations to come. In Africa Unite, he sings of slave trade and also reminds us that whites have removed the chains from our feet and put them onto our minds.
Angela Kalule, Sanyu FM radio presenter and vocalist for Black Roots Unlimited
Bob Marley’s music is kind of addictive, just like a drug. You can never grow weary of listening to it. It is sentimental, but in a natural way. I just like the way he sings. On his birthday, I just want to go upstage and sing my heart out: I don’ wanna wait in vain for your love.
No Creature, pop artiste
Marley represents the flesh and blood of all the children of Africa. He encouragd love and a spirit of brotherhood and reminded Africans that we are all children of one mother. If we all followed Marley’s philosophy, we would live in harmony.
Brenda Shaniz, Zipa model
Sometimes, I get the feeling that Bob is still alive. I just love his music! His birthday is always an opportunity for me to dance along to Buffalo Soldier. It is just so exciting. I often like losing myself to the redemption song, which is hypnotising, yet natural.