The late great reggae legend Bob Marley needs no introduction, as even in his death, his legacy still lives on to this day. Marley used reggae music as a platform to promote his social and political views against oppressive systems which made him an icon and one of the top influential leaders in modern history. In fact, Bob was the first international musical superstar to emerge from the so-called Third World. One may not agree with some of his beliefs but his voice denouncing the plight of the black man, and the poor, is hard to knock. One cannot deny the fact that he was the leader of the poor people living in the ghettos of Jamaica raising the awareness for jobs, basic human dignity and freedom. Former Jamaica Prime Minister, Edward Seaga, said at his funeral that Bob Marley’s “message was a protest against injustice, a comfort to the oppressed, a search for peace and a cry for hope.”
Some persons consider Bob to be a modern-day prophet. However, Bob saw himself as “a rebel, a revolutionary.” Bob took things into his own hands as he opined in an interview, “You can’t get any help, and I don’t take any bribe from anyone, I fight it single-handed – with music” Chris Blackwell, who helped Marley to prominence, observed that Bob Marley “had a rebel type of approach, but his rebelliousness had a clearly defined purpose about it.” Marley’s protest via his lyrics in music was against the circumstances that he and his people had to endure at the hands of the elite in society – and the Babylon system which he normally referred to. Bob opposed the divide and rule methods that Jamaican politicians used to control the masses and to keep them in bondage.
Without a doubt, Marley was also a transformational and influential leader who used reggae music to transcend and cross over to the different races worldwide. Jack Healy, former President of Amnesty International remarked that “everywhere he goes in the world today, Bob Marley is the symbol of freedom.” Without a doubt, Marley has accomplished his mission when he noted in an interview that [reggae] music will get bigger and bigger until it reached the right people {in the world]. Bob received many accolades and has been recognized for his infectious music. For example, Time Magazine selected his album “Exodus” as the best musical album of the 20th century. It is argued that on this album “every song is a classic, from the messages of love to the anthems of revolution. But more than that, the album is a political and cultural nexus, drawing inspiration from the Third World and then giving voice to it the world over.”
It is interesting to note that initially not all Jamaicans accepted Bob, but however did so after he was revered worldwide. This reaction symbolized the words of Jesus that a man has no honor in his own country. Even the African Americans and the people of Africa were not initially receptive to Bob. As a race, we still have a long way to go to “free our minds from mental slavery” and to lift up and encourage one another.
Bob was very spiritual, and he used words from the the Bible to produce many of the lyrics for his songs and in many of his interviews. In fact, in an interview, Bob noted that “the Bible is to be loved because the Bible is a record of man’s creation.” Marley admonished us to know our biblical history noting that we came “from the roots of King David through the line of King Solomon as he sang on “Blackman’s Redemption.” Bob even encouraged his mother, Cedella Booker, to do a gospel album which she completed as her tribute to him after his death. Bob urged us to “get up, stand up and check out the real situation” and to stand up for our God-given rights. Other notably spiritual quotes from Bob include the following:
Don’t gain the world and lose your soul. Wisdom is better than silver or gold”.
“As a man sow, shall he reap. and I know that talk is cheap. But the heat of the battle is as sweet as the victory.”
“I know that I’m not perfect and that I don’t claim to be, so before you point your fingers make sure your hands are clean.”
“Judge not unless you judge yourself.”
Live for yourself and you will live in vain. Live for others and you will live again.”
“Don’t worry about a thing, cause everything little thing gonna be alright.”
“I don’t stand for the black man’s side, I don’t stand for the white man’s side. I stand for God’s side.”
Bob Marley words and his music, even in his death, still reflect the frustrations and the aspirations of Third World countries who are still being exploited by the so-called elite of the developed countries aided by the selfish and greedy leaders of the Third World. Marley knew that he was beneficial to raising the awareness of poor and oppressed people throughout the world, not only in Jamaica. The struggle continues here and abroad for the voiceless which some political and business leaders continue to turn a deaf ear to, and are ignoring the fact that we were all born to help others and make this world a better place where we all live in love, peace and harmony. Marley sang what he saw around him. Bob’s legacy still lives on, and his songs are as infectious today as they were back then. Marley’s songs still provide therapy and soothing medicine for the oppressed and his fans worldwide. In Bob own words, “the day of judgment is near” when spiritual wicked forces in high places, and oppressors, will no longer intimidate and wreak havoc on the minds of the vulnerable in society.
