Bob Marley brought global recognition to reggae. Today, the genre’s themes of harmony hold even greater significance.
In June 1980, when Bob Marley performed before an enthusiastic crowd of 8,000 at the Cologne sports hall, he was battling the cancer that would ultimately claim his life. Despite this, he retained his magnetic presence and enthralled the audience as he delivered powerful renditions of “Redemption Song” along with some of his beloved hits.
Less than a year later, on May 11, 1981, Bob Marley passed away due to issues stemming from his health problems.
melanoma
He was supposed to turn 80 on February 6, 2025.
Marley introduced reggae and its teachings to a global audience. His influence was such that he played a significant role in making the genre so renowned it was included in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
Cultural Heritage
.
Certainly, Marley’s music will likely be playing in
reggae
Pubs seem to be found in nearly every part of the globe even today. The enduring influence of the cherished Jamaican musician was likewise honored during these events.
2024 movie
“Bob Marley: One Love,” inspired by his life.
The political and spiritual themes of his music remain equally relevant against the backdrop of current societal upheavals.
A follower of Rastafari
Reggae has undoubtedly been shaped by
Rastafari
, the religious and political ideology that Bob Marley started exploring at the age of 22. This movement was comparatively
new religion
developed in Jamaica when
Haile Selassie
On November 2, 1930, I became the Emperor of Ethiopia. Several years prior, Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey had foretold the crowning of a influential black monarch in Africa, one who would spearhead black emancipation.
The Rastafari movement takes its name from Selassie’s original name, Ras Tafari Makonnen. “Ras” means “prince” in Amharic, which is spoken in Ethiopia. Most believers saw Selassie as the second coming of Jesus Christ . Much of the Rastafarian faith is based on the Bible. Referencing the New Testament book of Revelation, Rastafarians await their return to Zion, the symbolic name for Africa used in the Bible. Tenets of the religion include living a life as close to nature as possible, and espousing the principles of love and peace, justice, unity and equality.
Rastafarianism rejects various types of political, cultural, and religious oppression and has become a global movement encompassing adherents from different ethnicities around the world. Currently, it is believed that between 700,000 and one million individuals follow this faith.
Despite common misconceptions, smoking marijuana is not inherently linked to the Rastafarian faith, even though numerous adherents use it as a means to enhance awareness.
Bob Marley: The ambassador of reggae
Bob Marley, recognized as the inaugural international superstar hailing from one of the nations referred to as part of the Global South, propelled reggae—the music associated with the Rastafari movement—into global prominence.
Reggae emerged in Jamaica during the 1960s. This genre gained traction not only for its emphasis on social justice but also because of its connection to Rastafarian spirituality, which echoed similar themes found in contemporary global folk styles like American folk rock. Drawing inspiration from various musical traditions including mento, ska, soul, and rocksteady, reggae developed into a distinct sound.
Actually, when Bob Marley and
the Wailers
When they joined forces in 1963, they started with ska and dancehall music. However, they later shifted towards reggae, and in 1973, their album “Catch a Fire” was released globally.
The upbeat rhythm guitar and entrancing basslines proved perfect for disseminating uplifting messages of peace and love.
Eric Clapton
In 1974, when Bob Marley and the Wailers recorded their cover of “I Shot the Sheriff,” they catapulted themselves into the global limelight.
Songs of resistance
Bob Marley’s music often explores Rastafarian beliefs, but his verses also highlight the daily battles faced by marginalized groups and delve into the historical injustices like slavery. This has led to numerous tracks being linked worldwide with acts of defiance and efforts to combat tyranny.
After visiting Haiti, where he witnessed the impoverished conditions of the locals, Bob Marley wrote ‘Get Up, Stand Up.’
Duvalier
In the period from 1957 to 1986, during a dictatorship, the song encourages individuals to stand up for their rights and rely on their own discernment. Known as “Get Up, Stand Up,” this track has been adopted as an informal emblem by the organization Amnesty International.
The 1979 track “Zimbabwe” by Marley urges Africans to free Zimbabwe from British colonial control. In 1980, during the nation’s independence festivities, Marley performed this song live, and it subsequently served as an informal national anthem for the newly independent country.
Marley’s legacy: ‘Redemption Song’
One of Bob Marley’s most renowned tracks, “Redemption Song,” marked a significant shift in style compared to much of his earlier work, prompting many to speculate whether he foresaw it as his final release before passing away—almost like a parting thought for humanity. The lyrics include a quote from the Rastafarian leader Marcus Garvey, who stated during a 1937 address: “None but ourselves can free our minds; emancipate yourselves from mental enslavement.”
Indeed, Marley and his enduring impact persistently offer inspiration to individuals across the globe.
This is a revised edition of the article that was initially published in German in February 2024.
Author: Silke Wünsch
