If the Jamaican authorities are not blind, then they should see that Bob Marley should be named a National Hero very soon.

February 6 marked a significant milestone in reggae musical history as the world celebrated Bob Marley’s 80th birthday.

Never before was a Jamaican so revered globally on his birthday as tributes flowed as evidenced by an organised worldwide singalong featuring thousands as 8,000 thousand primary school pupils gathered at the Manchester Co-op Arena to sing a medley of the reggae musician’s hits last Thursday. They were joined remotely by children from across the globe for the worldwide singalong.

Back home here at the Emancipation Park, the government and the music fraternity paid their tribute as thousands turned out to celebrate a man many called “King of Reggae”.

The man whose songs are adopted worldwide because of his legacy of unity, love and fight for social justice and freedom through his faith Rastafari.

Bob Marley who died in 1981 at the tender age of 36, left an indelible mark, inspiring and uniting people across cultures, generations and geographical boundaries.

Incidentally, his birth month February, is celebrated as Black History Month and on Saturday, with the world watching, the tribute dubbed “Uprising” kicked off at the aptly named Emancipation Park.

It was a priceless advert for Jamaica that our Tourism Ministry could and will never be able to afford as throughout the concert, every break was interspersed with a Bob Marley song and an inspiring interview. It was priceless.

The evening proceedings started when emcees Jenny Jenny and Marland Edwards introduced the first act on stage in 80-year-old Bongo Herman who sang Happy birthday for Bob Marley before getting his performance. 

Jah Fabio out of Mexico sounding like any Jamaican and with a slight resemblance to Sean Paul, threw down his lyrics in dancehall style then switched to Spanish back and forth.

“Me love Jamaica, an island in the sun. Me love Jamaica’s good vibes inna Jam Down. Jamaica saved my life, kept the culture going and keep the music alive,” he reiterated.

Another Mexican called Antidoping, was next dressed in army denim pants and a black t-shirt and showed off some dance moves before delving into his lyrics. He then touched a couple of Bob’s songs with a beautiful rendition of ‘Ambush in the Night‘.

The international concert then moved from Central America to South America with Non Palidece of Argentina taking to the stage. His name when translated in English means ‘don’t give up’. The Rastafarian was smooth and had patrons rocking to the Spanish lyrics but more importantly, the reggae beat. 

The first female on stage was Aza Lineage and she delivered an easy set as she “si dung pon the rhythm” one spectator heard saying.

The temp picked up a notch as Warrior King appeared sporting a brown leather jacket, brown turban and white pants as he touched ‘So Much Things to Say‘ by Bob Marley. Warrior King then drew for his 2002 hit ‘Never Go Where Pagans Go‘ and ‘Virtuous Woman‘.

St Thomas native Bushman hit the stage with classic tune ‘Downtown‘, which had the audience singing and rocking. His performance was a timely reminder of the immense talent that emerged from reggae. He cooly delivered his tribute and encouraged people not to give up. 

There was a video tribute from Culture Minister Olivia Grange to the Marley patriarch was next as she noted that he was larger in death than in life. “His legacy will last forever”. 

Former Bob Marley backup singers Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths were on hand and were duly recognised, looking royal as ever. 

The stage was literally set on fire for one of the main acts, Bob Marley’s son Julian or “Ju Ju Royal” as he is also called as the stage was lit reading Bob 80. The packed Emancipation Park bursting at the seams, was left waiting as eyes fixed on the stage. 

“Greetings, big up Bob Marley Earthstrong” Julian announced himself dapperly dressed in full blue jeans pants and shirt and looking very much like his legendary father.

He went into it with his father’s monster hit “Bad Card”. His startling look of his father made one think the legend was actually performing as the famous line said: “Them ago tired fi see we face” as the audience sang along “inna rub a dub style”.

Julian then went for his guitar and there was Bob, the splitting image as he rocked and dipped on stage reminiscent of his father’s iconic moves. The head movements were similar as his well-groomed locks flashed around steadily. 

The 49-year-old Julian, who was born in England, then called up his nephew Skip Marley, the son of Cedella Marley and the grandson of Bob Marley. It’s a family affair said Julian before exiting the stage.

The 28-year-old Skip, who was born in Miami, appeared with two singers flanking him dressed in their mesh ites, green, gold and red tops, colours of the Rastafarian movement.

Skip sang his 2020 hit “Slow Down” in collaboration with American singer-songwriter HER (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) as cell phones were out capturing every moment which is a historic one.

After a few of his grandfather’s songs, Skip drew “Waiting In Vain” before exiting and making way for the return of Julian Marley who was joined on stage by Bounti Killa and Bugle. Julian was then for a short stint.

Julian was then rejoined by Skip as they performed one of Bob’s most powerful songs “One Love”. Shortly after Bob’s son Rohan joined and was followed by his sister Cedella as they brought down the curtain on a wonderful night of Reggae Music as fireworks illuminate the skies of New Kingston.