‘BOB MARLEY: LEGACY’
SERIES NOMINATED FOR A WEBBY AWARD
BOB MARLEY: Legacy, the 12part, mini-documentary web series that delves into the life of reggae icon Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley, regarded as one of the 20th century’s most influential figures, has been nominated for a coveted Webby Award. The series formed an integral part of the yearlong celebration in 2020, dubbed Marley 75, in honour of what would have been the 75th birthday milestone of the reggae legend.
The Webby Awards nominations, recognising the best websites, podcasts, apps, and other internet services for 2020, were officially announced April 20. Bob Marley: Legacy, presented by Universal Music Enterprises, Tuff Gong, and Island, was nominated in the Best Video Series in the music category.
The series uncovers, through conversational interviews with a myriad of personalities, i ncluding family, friends, those who worked closely with Marley and those who watched on the sidelines, the relevance of Bob Marley today while exploring the impact he had while alive. “Give thanks to the team @umgcatalog for helping us shine a light on these new perspectives of Bob’s life and legacy,” the Bob Marley’s Instagram page shared.
INTERNET’S HIGHEST HONOUR
One of the oldest Internet-oriented awards, the Webby Awards is hailed as the Internet’s highest honour and is associated with the phrase ‘the Oscars of the Internet’. The awards are presented annually by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a judging body composed of over two thousand industry experts and technology innovators. Categories include websites, advertising and media, online film and video, mobile sites and apps, and social.
Two winners are selected in each category, one by members of The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and one by the public who cast their votes during Webby People’s Voice voting. Each winner presents a five-word acceptance speech, a trademark of the annual awards show.
The first episode of Bob Marley: Legacy, which has been referred to as a “cinematic odyssey”, was released last year February. Titled 75 Years A Legend, it racked up over one million views, and hundreds of comments from fans of all ages across the globe. Some of the titles of subsequent episodes are Women Rising, Rhythm of the Game and Punky Reggae Party. Episodes 1-7 are available on Bob Marley’s official YouTube page.
According to a release, “This unique YouTube series provides fans with a refreshing and cinematic journey through the life, legacy, and relevance Bob Marley still holds in this present day. Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artistes on social media in this digital era, and Marley75 serves to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and ground-breaking technology.”
This year, May 11, marks 40 years since Bob Marley’s death. The icon passed away in 1981 at the age of 36. He accomplished much during and after his lifetime. The most recognised Jamaican globally, Bob Marley is widely acknowledged as the world ambassador for reggae music, earning an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and selling more than 20 million records. Bob Marley is acknowledged as the first international superstar to emerge from the Third World.
In the first episode, Legacy: 75 Years A Legend, the documentary closes with a clip of a young widow, Rita Marley, speaking about Bob’s transition. “His spirit is even more dominant to us, the family. We share a spiritual life with him, which is natural. It’s just that we can’t see him, but we are sure that he lives.”
Webby Awards winners will be revealed on Tuesday, May 18, with Jameela Jamil hosting the virtual awards show, and winners restricted to the ceremony’s traditional five-word speeches on webbyawards.com. Fans are able to vote on the People’s Voice Award online from now through Thursday, May 6.
Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artistes on social media in this digital era, and Marley75 serves to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and ground-breaking technology.