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Bob Marley is a national hero in all but name. So what are Jamaica's politicians waiting for? [View all]
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/may/20/bob-marley-national-hero-what-are-jamaican-politicians-waiting-forOpinion
Bob Marley is a national hero in all but name. So what are Jamaica’s politicians waiting for?
Kenneth Mohammed
The trailblazing musician was a powerful force for change and unity, and his legacy continues to inspire millions. He deserves his homeland’s highest honour
Supported by
theguardian.org
About this content
Mon 20 May 2024 07.00 EDT
He is a 20th-century global icon but not officially designated a national hero in his own land. In a recent interview at the Bob Marley: One Love movie premiere, Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, disclosed that his government was considering again the longstanding petitions to award its highest honour to the legend. Marley’s’s profound impact on music and Jamaican culture is undeniable. From Kingston to Harare, he stood for social justice and freedom and against colonialism. To have decades of deliberation by politicians on whether to declare him a national hero is baffling.
From baby boomers to generation X, growing up in the Caribbean was enriched by a vibrant and resonant tapestry of diverse music. The formative backdrop was artists such as Sam Cooke, Sparrow, Jim Reeves, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire and Bob Marley. All could be heard back to back on the airwaves. Reggae was growing internationally, with Marley paving the way for the multitude of Caribbean artists to come.
Despite development challenges such as poverty, inequality, the climate crisis, environmental degradation, peace and justice issues, the Caribbean islands are home to vibrant cultures, rich biodiversity, and untapped potential. Music and sport play a critical part as they provide opportunities for the poorest but most talented young men and women to improve their stations in life. Marley, an ardent sports fan, was a part of that.
[...]
So too, Marley’s lyrics of revolution and redemption resonated with the diaspora in Canada, the US and Britain. It became autobiographical. Songs such as Concrete Jungle, Natural Mystic, Keep on Moving and Crisis helped many homesick West Indians through the coldest and gloomiest winters. His motivational music reflected their lives. A strain emanating from a passing car of Jamming, or Three Little Birds, was enough to lift your mood. Many of his songs were built on Bible scriptures which shaped his ideology on issues such as gratitude, humility, materialism, love and forgiveness. The song One Love epitomised this. West Indian culture, music, food and lifestyle became addictive. Jamaican DJs “toasting” over dub tracks created many different musical genres.
[...]
Bob Marley is a national hero in all but name. So what are Jamaica’s politicians waiting for?
Kenneth Mohammed
The trailblazing musician was a powerful force for change and unity, and his legacy continues to inspire millions. He deserves his homeland’s highest honour
Supported by
theguardian.org
About this content
Mon 20 May 2024 07.00 EDT
He is a 20th-century global icon but not officially designated a national hero in his own land. In a recent interview at the Bob Marley: One Love movie premiere, Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, disclosed that his government was considering again the longstanding petitions to award its highest honour to the legend. Marley’s’s profound impact on music and Jamaican culture is undeniable. From Kingston to Harare, he stood for social justice and freedom and against colonialism. To have decades of deliberation by politicians on whether to declare him a national hero is baffling.
From baby boomers to generation X, growing up in the Caribbean was enriched by a vibrant and resonant tapestry of diverse music. The formative backdrop was artists such as Sam Cooke, Sparrow, Jim Reeves, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire and Bob Marley. All could be heard back to back on the airwaves. Reggae was growing internationally, with Marley paving the way for the multitude of Caribbean artists to come.
Despite development challenges such as poverty, inequality, the climate crisis, environmental degradation, peace and justice issues, the Caribbean islands are home to vibrant cultures, rich biodiversity, and untapped potential. Music and sport play a critical part as they provide opportunities for the poorest but most talented young men and women to improve their stations in life. Marley, an ardent sports fan, was a part of that.
[...]
So too, Marley’s lyrics of revolution and redemption resonated with the diaspora in Canada, the US and Britain. It became autobiographical. Songs such as Concrete Jungle, Natural Mystic, Keep on Moving and Crisis helped many homesick West Indians through the coldest and gloomiest winters. His motivational music reflected their lives. A strain emanating from a passing car of Jamming, or Three Little Birds, was enough to lift your mood. Many of his songs were built on Bible scriptures which shaped his ideology on issues such as gratitude, humility, materialism, love and forgiveness. The song One Love epitomised this. West Indian culture, music, food and lifestyle became addictive. Jamaican DJs “toasting” over dub tracks created many different musical genres.
[...]
