Jamaica celebrates 70th birthday of late reggae great Bob Marley
Jamaicans celebrate the 70th anniversary on Friday 6th February,2015 with a jamming session at his former home at Hope Road as well as discussions on reggae, a popular genre that began in Jamaica, in the 1960’s. A free concert on the Kingston waterfront on Saturday drew large crowds and local reggae artists and Marley’s son, Ky-Mani, performed.
Reggae legend Bob Marley,who was born in Nine Miles, northwest Jamaica,passed away on May 11,1982 at age 36. To commemorate his birthday and honor his vision, the Marley family has launched the ‘Share1Love’ site to raise money to help bring clean,safe drinking water to those in need.
Jamaica has debated for years adding Marley to it’s Order of National Hero, it’s highest honor. No new heroes have been added since the 1980’s and a committee has been examining nominations for last three years, with Bob Marley and former Prime Minister Michael Manley among a list of 10 names mentioned.
However, an annual ”One Love” charity soccer match will be played in Marley’s honor on 18th February,2015, including celebrities such as Olympic sprinters Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell….
Source: Jamaica news
Photo credit: Bob Marley facebook
