Bob Marley popularized reggae music globally, and the genre's themes of harmony continue to resonate with people more urgently than ever today.
In June 1980, Bob Marley performed to an audience of 8,000 people at a Cologne sports hall, already battling the cancer that would ultimately claim his life. He nonetheless exuded charisma, winning over the crowd with hits like "Redemption Song" and other beloved songs.
He would have celebrated his 80th birthday on February 6, 2025.
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"Bob Marley: One Love," inspired by his life.
His songs' political and spiritual themes are still highly relevant in today's societal upheaval.
A follower of Rastafari
I was enthroned Emperor of Ethiopia on November 2, 1930. A few years previously, Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey had predicted the crowning of a mighty black monarch in Africa who would lead the fight for 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.
The Rastafari movement strongly rejects any type of oppression, whether linked to politics, culture, or faith, and it has followers from around the globe, representing various racial backgrounds. Presently, it's estimated that between 700,000 to one million individuals adhere to this faith.
Contrary to what many people think, smoking marijuana is not an inherent part of the Rastafarian faith, although many adherents associate it as a means to heighten consciousness.
Bob Marley: A Legendary Reggae Ambassador
Bob Marley, regarded as the world's first international superstar to hail from the Global South, helped popularize reggae music, also known as the genre associated with the Rastafarians, worldwide.
Reggae music emerged in Jamaica during the 1960s. It centered on social justice and Rastafarian spirituality, resonating with other popular folk music styles globally, particularly folk rock in the US at that time. The genre was influenced by existing styles, including mento, ska, soul, and rocksteady.
They formed in 1963, and initially made ska and dancehall music. However, they eventually shifted their music style to reggae and released their album "Catch a Fire" globally in 1973.
Covered "I Shot the Sheriff" in 1974, Bob Marley and the Wailers came under international spotlight.
Songs of resistance
A reoccurring theme in Bob Marley's music is Rastafarian spirituality. However, his lyrics not only include references to his faith, but also portray the real-world struggles of marginalized groups and the history of slavery and injustice. As a result, many of his songs have become linked with resistance and the struggle against oppression worldwide.
The song refers to a period of authoritarian rule in Jamaica (1957-1986). The lyrics urge people to stand up for their rights and trust their own judgment. "Get Up, Stand Up" is considered the unofficial anthem of the organization Amnesty International.
In the 1979 song "Zimbabwe", Marley urges Africans to liberate Zimbabwe, which had been under British colonial control. Marley performed the song live at Zimbabwe's independence celebrations in 1980, and it became the country's unofficial national anthem.
Marley's legacy: 'Redemption Song'
One of Bob Marley's most famous tracks, "Redemption Song," was a significant switch from his typical style, prompting many to ask if it was, in fact, his final song before his passing - a poignant message to the world, potentially serving as a last farewell. In it, he mentions the Rasta prophet Marcus Garvey, who in a speech in 1937, respectively stated: "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, only by our own actions can we free our minds."
Indeed, Bob Marley's life and his lasting impact continue to offer inspiration to individuals everywhere on the planet.
This is an updated version of this article that was originally published in English in February 2024.
Author: Silke Wünsch