43 years following his death, a new biographical film entitled “One Love” recounts part of the life of Jamaican reggae icon, Bob Marley, between 1976 and 1978. Died of cancer at the age of 36, his songs once morest violence and oppression, preaching love, respect and equality of people, are more relevant than ever in 2024.
After the broadcast of several documentaries on the life and music of Bob Marley, a new biographical film entitled “One Love”, has been on the big screen since Friday February 16, 2024. It was produced in collaboration with two children of the star, Cedella and Ziggy.
The film covers the period between 1976 and 1978 when political violence in Jamaica was at its peak. Bob Marley was even the victim of an assassination attempt. The film ends at the peace concert, organized by the singer at the time, to try to calm tensions.
Early film critics didn’t like this feature film. The public loved it.
Ziggy Marley
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©CHRIS PIZZELLO / INVISION
In Martinique, fans rushed to the cinema for the first screening which was sold out.
In the room, there were people from Bob Marley’s generation who wanted to see the film because the Jamaican singer was “a messiah and unifier, whose music is still relevant today and his songs have never aged.”
Some were not yet born when Bob Marley died in 1981. For them, “deep words” of his music are of great importance.
Other young people wanted to see the representation of a “legend of Caribbean music and culture who had such an impact that the Caribbean shined throughout the world. The film is even more authentic because it is produced by his children.”
Bob Marley on stage in Paris in July 1980 • ©JACQUES LANGEVIN / AP
Indeed, almost 45 years following his departure, his music has not aged a bit.
Songs like Rat Race, Burnin’ and Lootin’, evoke the consequences of poverty and violence on populations, a subject which is more relevant than ever.
The fight once morest injustice and the need to create a more just society is the central theme of War, Get Up, Stand Up and I Shot the Sherrif. In Bad Card, he denounces the hypocrisy of politics.
The book, Bob Marley, In his own words, is a collection of the singer’s best quotes. He speaks on subjects such as music, the African continent, women, politics and Rastafarianism.
In an interview conducted in February 1979, he declared: “I’m not interested in politics. It’s the devil’s business.”
According to Marley, “Reggae is music that educates the people who listen to it.”
This music is a form of information. Music tells people what to do in Jamaica.
In August 1980, he claimed that “the only truth is Rastafari.”
Bob Marley was also a charismatic man and many of his fans were female.
You must love and appreciate women. She is the earth, the mother of creation. You have to love her without falling in love with her.
There have been songs written in his honor such as Jammin’, a hit composed and sung by Stevie Wonder. He calls Bob Marley the “Master Blaster”.
In 2009, Jamaica issued stamps with the image of Bob Marley. • ©MICHAEL SLOLEY / AP
Marley’s music is still recognized around the world, from New York to Zimbabwe.
My music will live forever. Maybe it’s stupid to say it but when I know something, I have to talk regarding it. My music live for eternity.
On February 6, 2024, Bob Marley would have celebrated his 79th birthday.