‘One Love 79’ celebration for Bob Marley’s birthday
THE ANNUAL celebration of the life and legacy of Reggae King Robert Nesta Marley will once again take place on February 6, the anniversary of his birth. This year, the Marley family and the Bob Marley Group of Companies honour the icon’s 79th birthday with a full schedule of events under the theme, ‘One Love 79’ - incorporating the timeless classic and BBC-designated ‘Song of the 20th Century’, One Love.
In a press release, Bob Marley Group of Companies CEO Cedella Marley stated, “Each year we look forward to honouring my dad in a way that highlights his legacy and is inclusive of our extended family, friends, and fans from around the globe. More than a song title, One Love is a timeless call to the world, and sums up the spirit and the genius that is Bob Marley.”
Fans are invited to watch the entire slate of festivities, including an encore presentation of the One Love 79 concert, by tuning in to the live stream on the Tuff Gong TV YouTube channel on February 6. The livestream, hosted by Alaine Laughton and Tamoy Campbell, will treat viewers to a host of musical and other activities, as well as birthday greetings from around the world.
The cornerstone musical event is the One Love 79 virtual concert, held at Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston. Hosted by Ron Muschette, and featuring several of Jamaica’s brightest talents including Chris Martin, Jesse Royal, Pam Hall, Lutan Fyah, Ce’cile, D’yani, and Yeza, the concert was broadcast live in North America on Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio on SiriusXM.
Viewers can also watch a broadcast of the People Get Ready concert in honour of the Reggae King at Main Street Rose Hall, in Montego Bay, which featured Richie Spice, Queen Ifrica, Nadine Sutherland, and Black Am I.
The Bob Marley Museum annually draws fans from around the world seeking to honour Marley on his birthday. This year, there will be a live television broadcast all day on Tuff Gong TV and Bob Marley socials in addition to a live radio broadcast on Irie-FM, as well as a petting zoo, reading sessions, select artisans, and special tours of the museum.
Another special music presentation, Live at Bob’s, will unfold on the deck of the Marley Natural dispensary at the museum. This will feature emerging artistes, as well as winners of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association original songwriting competition.
To wrap up the day of celebrations, the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, will present a Bob Marley tribute concert, live from Emancipation Park, beginning at 7 p.m.