Used to be a time in the 80's and 90's, when Marleys birthday happened in February, the whole island had parties. Every town has a Bob Marley Birthday Bash. Now that is almost non existant. And today, the 30th aniversary of his death, hardly a word spoken....Kinda sad

Most all Jamaicans big up Robert Nesta Marley, including those who follow orthodox religions, as he has done a lot for this tiny island.

It is against Babylon's interest to promote what he stands for. They do not want a conscious citizenry.

Let us not forget his message. What was his message to you?

His message for me is stated in two simple words that speaks volumes !!
ONE LOVE !!!!!!!!
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Robert Nesta Marley's songs/voice can be heard every every hour and even more often here in the US: in coffee shops, shopping malls, doctor's waiting rooms, elevators- everywhere. Not sure what most people feel or think but I am both happy and sad. RNM said something like this "I handle being famous by not being famous to myself" I agree with BigUp, Babylon- International Corp- very conscience- don't want the people to think out side of the TV box - Let us wash you brains-

All I am saying is that the celebrations and public aknowledgements have decreased...no need to read too much into this...Geez....

I don't think so.

I have seen people who were born after his death from non English speaking countries be big fans.

fan, I don't think mnken is saying that there are not new fans of Marley. All I heard him say was that the recognition of his birthday is not as prevelant as it once was

A lot of things are not as "popular" anymore. A lot of us can barely eat out or go to a movie nowadays. Sign of the times mnken, hard times everywhere.

Bob is such a legend even when things is dark and dreary, I get comfort from the three little birds at my door step. Put The Most High first and don't worry about a thing. For every little thing is going to be alright.Bob opened and continues to open doors for Jamaicans around the world. Jah lives !

I don't believe Bob was interested in a personality cult. Reminding us to liberate ourselves from mental slavery was a gift for those with ears to hear.

One day at #56, he told me 'Seminya' was one who was half hearted in the process of self liberation. Sweet guitar strumming as in 'No woman nuh cry', his favorite way to express himself. Bro G, his once baby sitter, told me he used to borrow his uncles guitar and made his own from a large herring tin and the thread from the top of a crocus bag. Nine mile in those days had natural music in the air. Drums, guitar, fife, violin. There was a guitar maker in the district that made all local wood guitars.

Some history.

My apologies: Nine Mile.

G-Man is a wealth of information on Bob's early days. He has retained herbal and agricultural info from the old people in the district and played banjo in a band. I have discussed him giving an interview. He would be glad to grant this to someone who will treat him and the information with respect.

One of my favorite tracks is 'Ambush in the Night.'

Thanks for allowing me to share that.

mnken I agree, Bob's popularity has waned in Jamaica over the years but got a boost when his album or song, I have forgotten which, was declared song/album of the 20th century. Fans are not my favourite people,because they tend to be irrational. Marley didn't do much to help his fellow strugglers, and his music will go on, but the man himself will soon be forgotten.
What message? I feel like bombing a church, or I want to disturb my neighbour? What has he really done for Jamaica? He did a lot for himself,and that's good,but please don't get carried away. And please no national hero status.

For those who don't know, "I feel like bombing a church" is a lyric in one of Marley's songs:
http://www.1songlyrics.com/b/bob-marley/talkin--blues.html

Why do most "upper class" Jamaicans do not want Bob Marley to be given "National Hero" status ?
Who else from Jamaica has brought so much international fame to the island ?
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

MikeyMike, I agree with you. Marley has done more for Jamaica than anyone I know. He has put us on the map worldwide. As a matter of fact, other islanders have hopped on his waggon also. He should be regarded as a National Hero.

Bob made us proud. I can't remember if he broke the law; if he stole from the bank or did he serve time for stealing. I wonder why people don't like him? Just asking.....

MikeyMike Why do you think it's 'upperclass' Jamaicans who don't want BM to be National Hero? On the one hand it is neither here nor there, considering some of the ones we have now don't deserve it anyway. He brought fame to himself, and popularised the smoking of the weed which has become a national past-time among the youth. That should warrant disqualification, if he had qualified under any criteria. I wonder if any country in the world has a musician for its National Hero. A hero should be made of sterner stuff!

Which church, which preacher and what was preached? He felt it, he went no further.

Someones gotta ask!?

What do you mean Spooky that he didn't do much? He helped to reinforce marijuana use for people of all ages and backgrounds...Jamaica wouldn't be what it is today had it not been for that. Just look at all the people sitting on the side of the road, stoned out of their minds wondering what to do next.If it wasn't for Bob they may be out looking for a job.

Spooky Dude, now you are demeaning the contributions of one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever seen. From Jamaica to The UK, from Germany to Brazil, from Japan to the USA, from Norway to Australia, from..... (shall I go on?), just mention the words Reggae music and the response you'll most likely hear is " Bob Marley". He's the greatest ambassador Jamaica has had.

Bob's music was never about meaningless sound. There was always a message. Ask the freedom fighters in Mozambique and Angola and South Africa. It was never about frivolity. Why do you think he was shot before the Peace Concert?

To dismiss his contributions is to belittle the positive impact that Bob had on the consciousness of millions of people all over the world.

I may or may not know you Dude, but I can't help but think your "weed" is simply to take a contrarian view of any popular idea.

If all you got out of listening to Marley's music is the idea that it encouraged people to burn herb, you may not have been listening to the lyrics closely enough.

Bob Marley,who I knew personally used a lot of words from famous and not so famous people and put them to music. I am not convinced that he did it himself as he was somewhat challenged. His most compelling song , in my opinion, was War, the words of which came from a speech by Haille Sellasie. From what I have seen of him and the fact that he sang as part of the lyrics in one of his songs, a musical notation, 'to the bridge',along with his displayed intellect, tells me that he could not be the author of some of the lyrics attributed to him. I think he is a good musician and performer. Millions of people don't mean a thing, millions of people are not an indication of any thing: there are several more millions who could not give one hoot about BM.
Imancipated, the music is not what encouraged people to smoke herb,it is the example he set.
Legalize it, you should preface your statement with the words, 'in my opinion'.

Mr. Spooky Dude, it should be WHOM I knew personally. You also spelled Emancipated's name wrong.

Emancipated, I don't now about you, but I go by what someone does, NOT what they say. In this case musical lyrics... And I have listened to the lyrics closely, so don't insult my ears and heart.

Teacher Bob, with whom I am familiar
Teacher Bob, who I know well
Teacher Bob, whom I know well

I can't believe i joined this discussion but sorry Teacher, I am not sure about your whom.

Bob's dream was not to spark discussion
Bob's cause was inspiration
What a pity that a man's success
Is spurned because of difference in opinion
Hate and deceit is bitter like gall
Some people will never know themselves 'til them back is against de wall.

We've deleted bickering posts aimed at individuals and ask that you not post them anymore.

-TBNet