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Annually, on February 6, thousands of fans worldwide take a moment to honour and celebrate the birth of the legendary Bob Marley, and today is no different. Born in 1945 in Nine Mile, St Ann, Robert Nesta Marley would go on to fulfil his calling – spreading messages of unity, love and brotherhood through music and activism. This year, as Bob Marley would have turned 80, the celebrations carry extra significance under the theme ‘Uprising’. A packed schedule of events will take place in Jamaica, including the annual musical tribute at Emancipation Park in Kingston, headlined by Julian Marley.
Determined to deliver a performance that truly honours the occasion, Julian explained that his set will feature a mix of his own music alongside his father’s iconic songs, aiming to create an experience that resonates with the audience.
“It’s going to be a great show. It is Bob Marley’s ‘Earthstrong’, so we have to bring the vibe. I am here getting ready to just give the people some great music and a powerful performance. So right now, I am carefully choosing the music to make sure the set is right, and the people will feel the spirit of Bob Marley through the music,” he said.
Julian arrives at Emancipation Park fresh from the Legends Tour, which also featured his brothers Ziggy, Ky-Mani, Stephen, and Damian. The tour took the siblings across the United States, showcasing each artiste’s individual works, while celebrating the timeless music of their father.
The tribute concert, which is free to the public, will also feature Skip Marley, grandson of the Reggae King and son of Cedella Marley, along with Jamaican artistes Bushman, Warrior King, and Aza Lineage. They’ll be joined by South American reggae bands Nonpalidece (Argentina) and Antidoping (Mexico), plus Mexican dancehall deejay Jah Fabio.
LIVESTREAM
Early in the day, fans worldwide can join a special livestream on Tuff Gong TV’s YouTube channel at 3 p.m. ET for the Uprising 80 concert. The event will feature performances from Mortimer, Bugle, Kumar Fyah, Naomi Cowan, Quan Dajai, Kelly Shane, and Alexx A-Game, along with a teaser of a new Bob Marley music video, a countdown of iconic performances, animations about his legacy, and a look at the ongoing work of the Bob Marley Foundation.
At 12 noon, ‘Live at Bob’s’ will offer intimate acoustic performances on the deck of the new Marley Natural Dispensary at the back of the Bob Marley Museum. Featured performers include Bob Marley’s grandchildren Yohan and Mystic Marley, alongside Ras I, Hezron, Christopher Ellis, Janeel Mills, Lymie Murray, Runkus, Amanyea, Hailie Celestial, Black Am I, Shandre Music, Jay Summa, and the Wake Up Jamaica Choir.
“Celebrating Daddy’s 80th birthday under the theme ‘Uprising’ is a special moment for our family and fans worldwide. This album represents so much of his spirit, with powerful songs like Forever Loving Jah, Coming In From The Cold, Could You Be Loved, and Redemption Song, which continue to inspire generations,” shares Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies, in a press release. “Each year, we honour his legacy in a way that unites our extended family, friends, and fans from all corners of the globe. This 80th milestone is a reminder of his timeless call for love, resilience, and freedom.”
After the opening ceremony, the front of the Bob Marley Museum will transform into a family-friendly Kid’s Village from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a variety of activities for all ages. Young fans can enjoy interactive experiences, such as virtual reality and robotics booths; a recording studio exploring Marley’s legacy; and sip & paint and ceramic art & jewellery-making stations. Additional attractions include a bubble art zone; balloon art; face painting; a ball pit; and a petting zoo, in partnership with Hope Zoo. The day will also feature storytelling by Amina Blackwood Meeks, and the Rox in Sox Festival with Aaron Nigel Smith, a Grammy-nominated artiste for his recent children’s album.
English (US) ·