The late Jamaican musician Bob Marley will always remain important in the history of Zimbabwe because of his performance at the country’s Independence celebrations in 1980 and his song “Zimbabwe”, which echoed across the globe as a renowned international artiste’s proud celebration of an African country’s liberation.
Over the past few years, Bob Marley Commemoration gigs have become part of the local entertainment calendar every May and tomorrow Basement Night Club hosts the event, sponsored by the Zimbabwe Higher Grade Academy.
The tribute show will feature many reggae artistes from around the country who will showcase their talents in honour of the late legendary reggae icon.
Speaking with The Herald Entertainment, event coordinator Trevor Hall, commonly known as Ras Jabu in the reggae circles, said the commemoration is to take place at The Basement tomorrow while on Sunday there will be The Bob Marley Commemoration Fun Day at Junction 24 which is located along the Harare-Chitungwiza highway.
“On Saturday (tomorrow) the occasion will be starting from noon till late at The Basement and we will be unleashing upcoming and reputable reggae artistes who include, Bhingi Drums, Jah Warrior, Lady Thanda, Cello Culture, Dhadza D, Mystic Crew and Potatoe Ponke Dat amongst others.
“On Sunday at Junction 24, which is sited along Seke road, it will be a family matter as we will continue the Bob Marley tribute show with a strict reggae roots and lovers session which will see House Of Stone, Jah Warrior, Zim High Grade Band, Drums of Nyabhingi and many more performing on stage,” he said.
Ras Jabu shed some light as to the importance of the Bob Marley Commemoration and why it is held yearly around the world.
“You see my brother, Bob Marley was the pioneer of reggae music world wide which led to him being crowned King of reggae music by the Rastafarian community.
“His music was not just regular, it was prophetic, for instance, if you look at the current situation in South Africa the black man is now turning against one another.
“The black man is now free from colonial rule but their mentality is still locked up in a regal era as evidenced by Marley’s song when he said emancipate yourself from mental slavery in his “Redemption Song”.
“Also, Bob Marley is commemorated around the world because his songs spread one love, unity and peace, that is why you see his music being sung all over the globe in different languages,” he said.
Born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6 1945, the singer, musician and song writer passed away in May in 1981, a year after he graced Zimbabwe Independence celebrations at Rufaro Stadium and staged a historic performance.
His legacy is still being robustly celebrated around the world and last year’s local commemoration show was held at Big Apple located in the city centre.
