capital Newspaper
This weekend reggae lovers around the world will gather, as they do annually, to celebrate the birth of one of the most well-known artists in the world, Robert “Bob” Nesta Marley baptized Berhane Selassie in the Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox church. His music moved millions across generations, continents, social and economic stratospheres and any other demographic imaginable. “Songs of Freedom,” one of his best-selling compilations produced decades after his death, is a title that may best sum up his body of works. Profound lyrics, driving drum and bass reggae rhythms, bubbling organ chords with the swaying I-Three providing harmonies fed many artist, activist and freedom fighters. A recipient of the 1978 United Nations Peace Medal of the Third World, the Jamaican born singer encouraged Africans to “…never give up the fight…” while warning those trying to stop progress that he will ever be present. The lyrics in his song “Bad Card” best sums up Bob’s stance.