Redemption songs: Bob Marley's philosophy is losing out to MTV bling
When the celebrations kick off in Ethiopia to mark the 60th anniversary of Bob Marley's birth, they will go unnoticed by the very people for whom he sang. Bob Marley is still seen on T-shirts, posters and Africa Unite pop-up buttons. But as his merchandising status grows, his message is lost. Marley would never have said that his message of unity, love and faith was meant only for black people, but his own upbringing ensured it holds particular relevance to those who would have known the pinch of poverty and racism. So it is tragic that the essence of what he stood for now adds up to empty rhetoric and a stack of hemp rucksacks. Marley's philosophy of pan-Africanism and racial pride gave black people a new way of thinking about themselves and their fellow man. The Bob Marley Foundation recognises this, and on his birthday this Sunday have seized on his One Love refrain to organise Violence Free Day in his homeland, Jamaica. But this level of awareness is not found elsewhere. Marley introduced millions of black Britons to their first political thought, but they have turned their backs on his legacy. Seeing their own children worshipping at the altar of bling, they say nothing: these once politically aware, switched-on people hear 50 Cent's Wanksta's cool beat and think they don't need to worry about the lyrics. [more]
- Bob Marley brings Ethiopians, Rastafarians together -- but all is not harmonious [more]
- Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley would have been 60 this Sunday. [more]
- Rastafarians show One Love for Marley [more]