Remembering a reggae legend
STRUGGLE ICON: TRIBUTE TO SINGER ON WORLD REGGAE DAY
‘Genre has transformed, as everything must evolve,’ says son Ziggy Marley.
How long shall they kill our prophets while we stand aside and look? – Redemption Song. Bob Marley sang these lyrics in 1980 on his final album, Uprising, without knowing his music would be leading political and social revolutions for decades – currently during Black Lives Matter protests and videos.
Two of his sons, Ziggy and Stephen Marley, are ensuring his legacy and message lives on.
Ziggy spoke to The Citizen about his late iconic father and celebrating the 75th anniversary of Bob Marley, coupled with 40 years of redemption.
Marley’s hit reggae songs have been the soundtrack to many an uprising. He was not only a symbol of freedom, but an icon often referenced in the same sentences as Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara and South African struggle musician Miriam Makeba.
It’s 10am in Los Angeles, where Ziggy lives with his family. His children can be heard playing in the background as he whispers: “Shh ... I’m on the phone.”
Ziggy took time to only speak to one South African newspaper, as Mzansi holds a special place in his heart.
He visited during the 2010 World Cup and got firsthand know-how of the great love and respect locals have for reggae music and the Marley family.
“It was wonderful to come out there. People knew who the Marley family was and recognised me as Bob Marley’s son,” he said.
Ziggy is very humble and respectful about the iconic status of his father.
“To me, he was my father and just like other fathers.
“He never put pressure on us to be Bob Marley’s children, especially because he was so humble, and that stuck with us.
“The reach that he had hit me later in life, but by that time I was mature enough to understand. It was about carrying a powerful message of peace and redemption, to shine the light that he ignited forward.”
Bob Marley played a role in sending out the message of fighting during apartheid times and often spoke out against the ills of the past government.
His music was often heard in uMkhonto we Sizwe camps. He preached a strong message of standing up against subjugation.
Ziggy reiterates that the music is about the message.
“People have an emotional connection to Bob Marley’s songs, particularly Redemption Song. It’s one of my father’s classics, and people love the message. It’s our job to push the message.”
Wednesday was an important day – World Reggae Day, created in tribute to Bob Marley and the genre (the only genre to have a day dedicated to it).
“It’s an important asset to highlight the impact of the genre,” said Ziggy. “Reggae was always the voice of the people, the significance was expressed in the music.
“It has transformed, as everything must evolve, but I believe many of the songs still embody the essence, which goes without saying: Speak your truth.”
The 75th celebrations of Bob Marley, due to be held throughout 2020, have been drastically affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ziggy and Stephen have had to delay live performances till 2021.
With only six months of the year remaining, they are looking into doing livestreams and are planning on releasing a book in October.
“The book is called Photo of a Legend and it’s a photo documentation of my father’s life, just so that his supporters can get an intimate glimpse into parts they weren’t always privy to.”
Bob Marley was an avid player and lover of football, and video game developer EA Sports and Fifa have included a soccer jersey in the game’s 2020 Tuff Gong FC kit with an imprint of Bob Marley’s face.
Ziggy excitedly shares the experience of seeing his father’s image on the kit of a sport he, too, loves.
“I play Fifa. I’m a consumer of football, and to have a jersey that symbolises my father is surreal.”
He loves the English Premier League the most and he’s a Liverpool supporter.
“This week was a great week for us,” he chuckles.
A key element of Bob Marley’s message was giving back and paying it forward.
Jamaica has a high level of poverty and disparities between rich and poor are definable.
The Marley family is working hard to not only improve socio-economic issues, but make a visible impact on the improvement of environmental challenges the island faces.
“Jamaica needs more schools and development to those that exist,” said Ziggy. “We’re working towards creating funds and bridging the gaps between haves and have-nots.
“The youth is important, our charities help children through the Bob Marley Foundation.
“We also put extra effort into educating our fellow citizens about the environment, fauna and flora, sustainability and looking after your immediate and distant surroundings.”