Today (6th February 2010) would be Bob Marley’s 65th birthday, and it is his birthday though it’s over 30 years since the king of Reggae left us. Having died at 36, Bob left behind a legacy that very few have oor will ever manage.
In much of today’s popular music, romance is dying, politics is fatal and God is dead. But Marley covered it all—the sexual, the political, the spiritual—and made all of these concerns seem like the most natural topics to be singing about.

In paying tribute to Bob Marley, The New Times asked a cross section of people about what they think about his life and music.

Meddy, local RnB music artiste

I think it’s weird to ask a musician whether they love Bob Marley or not. He’s someone every upcoming musician looks up to whenever they’re starting to sing or play any instrument.

I don’t see my self as a Rastafarian, but I like and feel what this movement is about. The way they preach about love and peace is so interesting putting in mind how the world needs peace and love. ‘Redemption song’ is my favorite.

However on the other side as an African, I see Bob Marley as a musician, preacher, teacher and guardian of African values, because he made it his duty to advocate for the rights of Africans, the Continent and even the Black Americans.

Edmund Kagire, Seniour Reporter, The NewTimes

"I find Bob Marley’s music very inspiring, educative and entertaining at the same time. It is very rich with message and as a black person; I find his musical insight into the African heritage very interesting,”

"I must admit that artists today will struggle to match the intellect of the likes of Bob Marley. He sang about every issue with passion, be it peace, the need to stop racism, slavery of the Blackman as well as love and the message would be delivered,”

"It is also unfortunate that some youth today relate his music to smoking Ganja, without giving a single thought to the message in the song. It boggles my mind when I find all these drug addicts and criminals relating themselves to Bob Marley’s music.”

"It is very ridiculous; Bob Marley sang peace, love, harmony and good life. Every time I listen to his song it is as if he is still alive. His music is still full of life. He could have died but he still lives on through his music,”

"I love redemption song and No Woman No Cry but that’s not to say I don’t love the other songs.”

Kitoko, local Reggae Music artiste

I don’t only sing Reggae music but I am also a Rastafarian which implies that Bob Marley is some one I admire as one of the main pillars of the Rastafarian movement.

He loved and fought for the rights of Black people, though he didn’t hate any race. I consider ‘One Love’ as a world song, because it preaches everything the world today lacks-Love.

I don’t have a performance today, so I will join my fellow Rastafarians wherever they’ll meet and celebrate his birthday with them. I also plan to dedicate this week to him and help where I can any one in need of help.

DJ Lil, Music Producer, Maurix Music

One of my favorite quotes by Bob Marley went like "Me only have one ambition, you know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together - black, white, Chinese, everyone - that’s all”
Peace and love of course are the foundation of Rastafarianism but then Bob Marley taught and preached these concepts with passion such that every one learnt and got his point.

To him, it didn’t matter whether you are black or white though he wanted to see the emancipation of black people.

What he preached was peace love and togetherness of all human beings. It is hard for me to select a song from the many he has because I love everything about his life and music.

Ends