Most of us outside the reggae culture have the tendency to
make negative associations in regards to the followers of the natural mystic
and the Rastafarian movement (the Rastas are synonymous to the hypnotic positive
vibrations) drawing our conclusions from stereotypes – ‘dem put in place by
crazy baldheads, mon! This Afro-centric spiritual movement came into being in
the 1930s Caribbean, borrowing core beliefs from Christianity and elements of a
troubled Atlantic slave trade history. Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia is
considered the reincarnation of Jesus and the saviour that will return black
people to the Promised Land.
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| Bob Marley with the universal colours of Ras Tafari |
During my convalescence, I became
addicted to a book my father gave me called, “Bob Marley: The Stories Behind
Every Song,” by Maureen Sheridan. This reggae pioneer is undoubtedly the most
recognized ambassador of this religious and spiritual movement. This religion
was his muse and he wanted to spread the word throughout the globe. The book
provides a truly inspiring picture of this humble country boy and his humble
journey that led to international stardom. In his lifetime, he became one of
the most successful artists - and to many, a world hero - hailing from the
developing world. Not even Ricky Martin has managed to match Jamaica’s most
famous son’s prowess. The local street culture and vibes dominating every day
life in Trench Town, one of the toughest ghettos in Jam-rock in his time also
is instrumental in his music. He actually began his musical career first as a
solo artist while living in the slums, and afterwards befriended Neville
O’Riley Livingston – better known as “Bunny Wailer” - and Peter Tosh,
eventually giving birth to the Wailers, a true blessing that launched reggae
music to an international audience hungry for a new sound.
The beauty of the instrumental
doctrine adopted in most melodies is the simplicity. In the words of the reggae
man himself: “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
His powerful poetic lyrics did just that job without the need to shout. Much of
his material originated from a tough childhood where he faced rejection from
his white father, watching people starve while they earned relatively nothing
for a day’s work, his comfort in the love of Jah and his dissatisfaction with a
system that disenfranchised much of his brethren. When his music hits you that
is what you are feeling. His songs were loaded with messages of hope that
captivated huge crowds from Kingston to Sydney. Everyone wanted to see the show
and those who had not, said they did. Leading entertainment personalities such
as Stevie Wonder and Mick Jagger were also drawn to his music, but he remained
a down-to-Earth dreadlock Rasta, looking to help each and every person who came
to see him on his beloved island – even after an attempt on his life that
forced him into exile. He promoted respect for one another, one love one heart,
- meaning we are all part of a global family regardless of our skin colour,
belief and social status – and standing up for our rights, which all continue
to resonate today.
Bob’s magic was his incredible
ability to reach out to people – although he was frustrated to have had little
effect on African-Americans for reasons beyond his understanding. Concerts in
Milan, Tokyo and other cities where English was not widely spoken, everyone in
attendance was always able to sing along to the Wailers, skankin’ to the lively
beat. The music enters through the ears and flows into the veins and you enter
the universal realm of rhythm and global dance of peace. In Sheridan’s book,
she mentiones that Marley was under CIA surveillance due to a seemingly
“communist” belief system and his ability in influencing and drawing large
crowds. Among the most important gatherings in his performance history and in
duty to his people, was the Smile Jamaica concert in Kingston, aimed at uniting
warring political factions. Right wing and left-wing gangs were engaged in
shootouts, leaving significant casualties, including women and children caught
in the crossfire and the split between haves and have-nots continued to grow at
an alarming pace. Hostilities ceased temporarily, but perhaps primarily because
of a tainted past, Jamaica has been unable to pull out of a violent and poverty
stricken reality, often teetering on the brink of failure as a nation-state.
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| The legacy continues |
Bob Marley’s legacy continues after his tragic passing
at only 36 years old because of a widespread, untreatable cancer. Pick up the
book if you come across it and you will not regret it. His music has inspired
many musical acts, including a massive boom in countries where reggae is hardly
part of history such as Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Venezuela, just to mention
a few. His success was not only fueled by his love of music and natural gift
to connecting with a diverse audience, but because of his devotion to his
craft. His peers described him as a man on a mission. He was constantly
plucking at his guitar strings, writing lyrics and having jam sessions lasting
several hours without a break. His children still harbour certain resentment
towards their rock star parents’ lifestyle, growing up neglected (their mother
was part of Marley I-Threes chorus) and perhaps it was a sacrifice for a short
lifetime of achievement.
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