Was it our own Chinua Achebe or one of the WS (William Shakespeare and our own Wole Soyinka) who coined that famous phrase about greatness? “Some men [or women] are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”

For a man or woman to be born great, his or her story must reflect that of an archetype. It must have a powerful and ever growing resonance that embodies among other themes: political wisdom, metaphysical and artistic insights. The story of a legend won’t complete without gangland warfare and periods in a mystical wilderness. To be born great means to enjoy an icon-like status more akin to that of the rebel myth of Che Guevara than to that of a pop star. To be born great means to survive an attempt to be silenced. To be born great means to perform in front of 80,000 crowds with bullet wound two days earlier. To be born great means to be simple despite the stardom. To be born great is to be Bob Marley.

From humble beginnings, with his talent and religious belief as his only weapon, the Jamaican prophet applied himself unstintingly to spread his prophetic message through music. If any one person was responsible for breaking down the barriers between reggae elitism and the pop world, Bob Marley was the man. Prior to his appearance in the singles chart with No Woman No Cry in 1975, reggae chart successes had been more of a novelty. After Bob Marley nothing was ever the same again. He became the best-known reggae artist of all time.

He was born in St Annes, northern Jamaica, on February 6, 1945. His mother was an eighteen-year-old black girl named Cedella Booker, while his father was Captain Norval Marley, a fifty-year-old white quartermaster attached to the British West Indian Regiment. Young Bob grew up in the rural suburbs. He quit school because he had only one ambition: music. It was the only way for him to be – to be Bob Marley. The inclination in young Bob kept inspiring him toward the greatness of his short life. He began his career in 1961, creating a huge following throughout the West Indies. His first record, Judge Not, came out in 1962. And in 1963 he formed the Wailing Wailers with friends Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh. They released their first single “Simmer Down” during the last week of 1963, according to bobmarley.com. By the following January it was number one in the Jamaican charts. During this period he met a young girl, Rita and on February 10, 1966, they got married.

After growing up in the rural island district of 9 mile, Bob Marley had experienced hardship first hand. He was determined to give voice to those suffering hard. “He had strong feeling about watching people being oppressed,” says Cindy Breakspeare, a longtime companion, “Bob wanted to see a change”. Although the music industry almost drained his spirit, he had managed to put the Wailers on hold. He then moved to the countryside with his family, and it was there he developed Rastafarian, says his widow, Rita Marley. Rastafarian fundamental message of black unification and empowerment rests on the street of Jamaica.

Meanwhile, since gaining Independence from Britain in 1962, his country, Jamaica had become a nation divided along ideological lines. Conservatives and Socialists traded power in often blood atmosphere, creating poverty among the people. There was heavy fight in the street with armour. And to survive in the ghetto, one had to support the party in power. But Bob Marley saw Rastafarian and not politics as salvation. He spread the words to campaign for a change. People see the song, Get Up Stand Up as the rise of a legend. Marley was taking the element of his religion into an International pop music. “Get Up Stand Up,” says Wayne Jobson, reggae expert, “is the song through which Bob transcending from reggae to Rasta leader – a song to inspire and empower. It may be the ultimate freedom fighter song of all times”.

As a true prophet, he warned us of certain things that bound to engulf us. For instance, he predicted so much trouble in the world. “The way things are going,” he sang. “Anything could happen [because they] don’t care for me, don’t care for you”.  And are we not witnessing the trouble now? “Until the philosophy [that] hold one race superior against another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandon…everywhere is war…me say war. And until there’s no first-class citizen and second-class citizens of any nation, until the colour of man’s skin is no significance than the colour of his eyes…me say war. Until the basic human right is equally guaranteed without regard to race…me say war. Until that day when African continent shall not know peace…me say war. Rumour of the war! War in the east…war in the west…war up north…war down south. War…war…war” Maybe the United Nations should play this particular track each time the member nations gather in its New York haven.

By 1967 his songs were being recorded by other stars, including Jonny Nash who had a worldwide hit with Stir It Up. Bob Marley real break came in 1974 when Eric Clapton recorded and released his song “I shot The Sheriff”, as a single. It toppled the charts around the world, including the USA. Stir It Up, Duppy Conqueror, Soul Rebel 400 years and Small Axe were not only classics, but they defined the future direction of raggae. The message then grew more radical because I Shot The Sheriff is the legend moment of vengeance.

Bob Marley expressed in song the sentiment of Jamaican underclass whose patience of corrupt officers had expired. Eric Clapton blue rendition of I Shot The Sheriff “made people to be aware of this great song writer,” says Neville Gawik, former Art Director Tuff Gong Records. He was becoming a hero to the Jamaican poor and considered a threat by the ruling class. Bob’s popularity didn’t go unnoticed by Prime Minister Michael Manley. Seeking to woo voters, he asked Marley to orchestrate a non-political musical concert for peace in December 1976. Bob agreed. He then came under dead threat for appearing on stage with Manley, for people saw it as endorsement of the prime minister. 

Obviously, Bob had a message to fulfill. “He was a serious [but simple] man who always set out what he had to do,” says Bunny Wailer. Just two days before the concert, “six gunmen” went to his house. In a flurry of gunfire, bullets hit Bob Marley’s friends, Don Taylor and Griffts. Rita, his wife, got bullet in her head. He himself didn’t escape assassin’s bullet. Badly shaken, he was kept in a safe house in the surrounding Kingston Hill where he contemplated his involvement in the concert. Assassin bullets had failed to silence Jamaican’s voice of harmony and hope. He stood for the truth. He was seen as a man who could lead the world. His whole idea was to demonstrate that peace was more powerful force than violence and if the show did not go on, people won’t get the message.

Two days after the shooting, he was bandaged but defied Bob Marley took to the stage with bullet still in his arm. Inspired by the non-violence, Prophet Bob Marley delivered a passion and moving performance in front of approximately 80,000 crowds. The show was a triumph for a peace crusader, but he still didn’t understand why some people wanted to silence him; after all, he was helping people all over. A realistic philosopher, he knew the assassins might get their target next time. He quietly left his homeland the morning after the show, while his wife stayed behind. He set for London and put his energy into recording. 

He then returned in 1978 to play the One Love Peace Concert in front of Prime Minister Michael Manley and then Opposition Leader Edward Seaga. At the end of that year, he visited Africa for the first time, going initially to Kenya and then on to Ethiopia, spiritual home of Rastafarians. Rastafarian faith considers Haile Selassie as a black Messiah, and took their name from Ras Tafari. He was to return to Africa in 1980, this time at the official invitation of the government of Zimbabwe to play at the country’s Independence Ceremony. It was the greatest honour accorded the band, and one that underlined the Wailers’ importance in Africa. 

Around the world, Bob Marley is seen as the Redeemer figure returning to lead this planet out of confusion. Some will come out and say it directly: that Bob Marley is the reincarnation of Jesus Christ long waited by much of the world. In such an interpretation of his life, the cancer that killed him is inevitably described as a modern version of a crusification. For example, some of my students (15-year-olds) once came over to me, and wanted to know my opinion about Bob Marley. “Hakeem, do you like Bob Marley?” one of them said rather than asking. “Sure…why?” 

“Nothing…just I like listening to him whenever I’m sad. There’s something in his music that always lift my spirit…” She needn’t go further, for I quite understood her sentiment. “It happens to me all the time,” I retorted. They both laughed, as we saw Bob Marley in one another’s eyes. 

I do not know whether he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ or not, as some people would argue. All I know is this: I admire and love Jesus Christ for what he “stands” for; I admire and love Bob Marley for what he “stands” for – equally. He was a philosopher, a deep thinker and visionary, a crusader and a genuine prophet. Yet listen to him: “Me just a simple man…a Rastafarian”. 

He did not have 76 Jeeps or whatever. He never siphoned money like our politician “friends” in a country once described as Giant of Africa. I doubt if he ever used a #3 million custom watch like a Nigerian governor. Bob Marley was never pregnant with money like our police “friend” who is now languishing in jail. Neither did he use public money to build palaces like the saint in Minna who is likely to carry the wealth with him to heaven. 

His departure from this world came at a point when his vision of One World, One Love was beginning in some quarters to be heard and felt. For instance, the Bob Marley and The Wailers’ 1980 tour attracted the “largest” audiences at that time for any musical act in Europe. After the European tour, Bob Marley and The Wailers went to America. He played two shows at the Madison Square Garden but immediately afterwards, he was taken seriously ill. An ill-treated toe wound had developed cancer. The doctor had advised him to amputate the part otherwise it would spread. Such amputation was against Rastafarian doctrine, and so he declined. The prophet preferred to go home complete. For eight months he remained at a Miami hospital where the “simple man” finally answered the call of Almighty on May 11, 1981. He was 36, and a legend in his own time. 

One-month-long event was organised for him in Ethiopia last year, a testimony that a man like Bob Marley will live until eternity.  It would be the first time such event was organised in Africa since his death. His was a life well spent.

The Robert Marley Foundation is organising Bob Marley Week in Kingston from February 5-11, 2006

Robot  Villager

# 1 "For a man or woman to be born great, his or her story must reflect that of an archetype. It must have a powerful and ever growing resonance that embodies among other themes: political wisdom, metaphysical and artistic insights. The story of a legend won’t complete without gangland warfare and periods in a mystical wilderness. To be born great means to enjoy an icon-like status more akin to that of the rebel myth of Che Guevara than to that of a pop star. To be born great means to survive an attempt to be silenced. To be born great means to perform in front of 80,000 crowds with bullet wo...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 05.02.2006 10:41

thagodfada  JJC

# 2 Cudos. That was a nice piece on Bob Marley. I happen to be a marley fan too but comparing him to Jesus would be going a little too far. Coming from the standpoint of equal-rights-and-justice-for-all, i understand your point but if standing up for your rights makes you equal to christ, then i guess Martin Luther King Jr. (one of my heros) would fall under that category. Yes, Bob was a great man, Yes his music has a message and Yes he touched a lot of people but that is what we as God fearing human beings are surposed to do. He only did it better than most of us are doing today. We had a voice like that crying in the wilderness in nigeria once, his name was Fela Kuti and he met with several opposition too. What we as a people need to do is strive to make a mark in this world like these people did. But there is a thin line between inspiration and spirituality. Bob was an inspiration to many. He taught us that one man can truly make a difference. Once again cudos, great article. Posted by thagodfada| 05.02.2006 12:55

felason

# 3 Nice one Akoko, Its a good write up, I always enjoy your articles.I am a great fan of Bob Marley too and i think the message in his lyrics are so relevant for the progess of world peace and freedom.I have also read your article on the great Fela Anikulapo Kuti,who I think is the greatest Artist in modern Times to come out of our Motherland . Both Bob and Fela's music captivates the mind in such a postive way that other music rarely does, this may be due to the fact that they fulfill both spiritual and physical law of art which is to "delight and enlight".No matter what the critiques say these man shall forever live in hearts of humanity through their musical genius. "There's a natural mystic flowing throuhg the air If you listen carefully you will hear" The sustaining light which is our origin that calls us near bid us to tune in but we cant ignorant of hear? choosiing not to loggin to our creators site. Posted by felason| 06.02.2006 07:30

hap

# 4 Bob marley and martin luther are both beyond graetness which i concurred with you. For the whole world sees thier greatness without prejudice despite the usual devils hands. For jesus,yes, it was alleged he was great by whom, and the atrocity that has been committed under the disguise of the unknow man. Thanks Posted by hap| 06.02.2006 16:36

Sangoking

# 5 The lyrics for the song 'War' were taken from a speech made by Haile Selassie, president of Ethiopia - Rastafarians were the first people to give me a true feeling of self worth, because they helped me change my perception of the noble characters in the bible from white to black - a most effective means of rectifying a formally colonized mind - Jah bless! Posted by Sangoking| 07.02.2006 10:22

felason

# 6 Thanks Sangoking,for that info I never knew Haile Selassie,was the originator of the words,however Bob gave it life in his music.What did u think of my impruptu little poem, I intended it to somehow summarize my own understanding/interprtation of the lyrics "There's a natural mystic flowing throuhg the air If you listen carefully you will hear" taken form song tittled "War" by Bob Marley @ Sangoking do you knwow if tis true that the Rastafarian Religion takes Haile Selassie as a sort of god. sorry to digress but since you brought it up I am taking the opportunity to find out if you can shed some light on it or anyone else reading thanks Ire O (peace) Posted by felason| 07.02.2006 11:47