Every Little Ting Gonna Be Alright

Sometimes when I am down, I play this Bob Marley classic: "Three Little Birds." I know it actually gonna be alright. I am hoping now in my current situation that this will apply as well. I always believe that we just "go through a ting in life." Sometimes the things we go through strengthen us. Without the little bumps in the road we would not be who we are.

Stir It Up

This song doesn't get as much recognition as Bob's other songs, but I love it. Classic Bob Marley

A Bob Marley Classic

BOB WILL ALWAYS BE THE MAN!!...NUH TRUE ..this video was one his first before he had that 3 feet of locs on his head!

Merry Jamaican Christmas

I found this from an old article on Jamaicans.com, I love the message, enjoy.

"Jamaicans like the rest of the world celebrates the Christmas season in two forms; the first is celebrated in a religious aspect based on Christianity; in that it is considered a holy season marked by religious services to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The second, incorporates many secular customs such as gift giving, feasting, and having a good times, that have been handed down through families and borrowed from other cultures

The old Jamaican religion based on the Roman Catholic and Anglican faith that we inherited from the British rule, traditionally starts the sacred Christmas season with Advent, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continues through Christmas Day to end on Epiphany, January 6.

In addition to this church members would go out early in the mornings singing Christmas carols under candle light while moving from house to house on the mornings leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, some churches around the island would hold evening services to include a dramatization of the biblical story of Jesus’ birth, or at midnight some may hold a special candlelight services called the midnight Mass. Many families attend church on Christmas Eve and open their gifts that evening. Others wait until the next morning to exchange gifts.

An Christmas morning activity has been dying but seem to making a comeback is that of Kuminna. It is a Jamaican folk dance where persons would be masked or dress up in costumes to depict the devil, the cow, Pitchy patchy and other characters, go out dancing in the street on Christmas mornings progress of from door to door to receive gifts of food and drink. Their costumes and dance moves were of such that they would scare the little children to tears, as they believe that the characters were real.

Have a wonderful Christmas

South Park Rasta-History of Reggae Music

I love this video. The rasta South Park character (who speaks like a white guy) is priceless. Great animation. I also love the music that accompanies the narrator. Ras Toon is dropping some science on us. Ras Toon is letting everyone remember the importance of Reggae Worldwide.

30 year Celebration of A Country United

On the night of April 22, 1978, at the National Stadium in Kingston, 32,000 people gathered to witness the One Love Peace Concert, an event that was of extraordinary significance to Robert Nesta Marley, a concert, which has been voted the World's sixth 'Rock Concert' of all time.

I was at this concert where Bob Marley United the PNP and the JLP in a show of love and Unity. I came back in this post to add that this video does not do show the love that was at that concert that day. Jamaica went through this transition. Bob came back to the Jamaica to bring and spread that love.

Rest In Peace- Cedella Marley

Cedella Marley Booker, 81, the mother of late reggae musician Bob Marley, has passed away at her South Florida home on Tuesday. She was known to all as, "Mother Booker." Mother Booker wrote two books about her son and released two albums "Awake Zion" and "Smilin' Island of Song."

Booker was surrounded by loved ones inside her South Miami-Dade home and was ''very happy and very peaceful,'' said daughter-in-law Sharien Booker. ``Her vision was always to bring people together. She was a very loving person, and we know she's happy.''

'Mrs. Booker was the matriarch of a movement so powerful that the mystical qualities of the Marley musical legacy remain strong and potent,'' said Jamaican Information Minister Olivia Grange.

''She was a star in her own right,'' Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding said in a statement. ``Her life was one of hardship, struggle and eventual fulfillment, and through it all, she exuded hope, strength and confidence.''

Born in Jamaica in 1926, Booker was 18 when she married Norval Marley, a 50-year-old British quartermaster. After he died in 1955, she married Edward Booker, moved to Delaware, then relocated to Miami, where she lived for the past 20 years. She was very well loved by the Miami Community.

Love this Jamaican Tourist Commercial Mon

Prince Charles Throwing Down in JamDown

See, who says Prince Charles nuh have nuh rhythm. Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, visited Jamaica on tour of the Caribbean islands to promote environmental protection. It was however his visit to Trench Town's "Culture Yard," that is the talk of all the media stations. Many of the members of the community were ready for his arrival. (mi can bet say they clean up nicely).

One craft lady at the Culture Yard was cited as say, "People from all over the gather outside the community center where he was. It did nice man, people did glad fi see him."

The Rastafarian community showed his much respect and invited the Prince to play their drums. That part of the festivities was held outside because the area was blocked off. One of the men stated, "Mi say we carry we drums and tings and dem go stand outside and chant down the place."

Especially optimistic about the visit was Rose Town's residents who though formally divided by the political violence between North and South have united for restoration efforts. The residents of the West Kingston community play a large part in the development of the Kingston Restoration Company (KRC), Construction Assistance Skills Transfer and Learning the Environment(CASTLE) program (which began in 2000). The prince was able to tour the area and also participated in planting a tree.



To culminate their visit the royal couple were led through the home - now a museum honoring the late singer - by Marley's widow, Rita, and sons Robert and Rohan. Both Camille and the Prince had a jam session with the Rastafarian's there as well. Boy, I bet Bob is rolling over in his grave. See if Bob was there he nuh must would have to offer them a spliff. Bob, was always Bob.
I would of loved to see them dancing though. That would of been cool.

It was nice though the the Prince has taken the time to visit his past and present colonies. For more photos and information you can check out. (Showbiz)

Rita Marley to Produce Bob Marley Life Story

Rita Marley is executive producing the first-ever biopic of her late husband Bob Marley, and if she has it her way, the reggae icon's daughter-in-law R&B singer Lauryn Hill will play her on screen.

"No Woman No Cry: My Life With Bob Marley," a chronicle of the musician's childhood and their tumultuous 15-year marriage through his death from cancer in 1981. The untitled project from producer Rudy Langlais ("The Hurricane") is tentatively set to begin filming early next year with a projected late 2009 release date. Langlais said the film will be an "epic romance," including the Marleys' life and the assassination attempt on the couple. "It's miraculous that Rita is still here after being shot in the head," he says

Source: Caribbean News

Smile Jamaica/Africa Unite

Well, the back to Africa movement should be interesting in Jamaica, when the two cultures meet on the 23rd of this month. This is Reggae Month so this should be interesting. The concert at the James Bond Beach in Oracabessa.

This Bob Marley inspired concert should be not only a wonderful tribute to Bob but to reggae music on a hold. The combination of two remarkable events, this collaboration is the result of Ghetto Youths International in collaboration with the Rita Marley Foundation.

Some of the performers on marquee include, The Melody Makers (which includes the sisters Cedella and Sharon). the seminal, The I Threes ( Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt), The Black Uhuru, Capleton, Taurrus Riley, Richie Spice, Spragga Benz, Lutan Fyah ,Cococ Tea , Alborosie, Etana and IFrica, Dean Fraser, Ernie Ranglin,, Javaughn and Sound Systems Stone Love and Gully Bank. Mutabaruka and Rihanna should also bring a wonderful addition to this concert.

Congrats to Stephen Marley

Stephen Marley is the third Marley son to win a Best Reggae Album award as a solo act. His older brother, Ziggy, won last year for Love Is My Religion, while younger sibling Damian's Half-Way Tree and Welcome to Jamrock won in 2002 and 2006, respectively.
He is definetly keeping it in the family. As we know all of Bob's children are talented. The Grammy's seems like a worldwide recognition of success. On February 23, Stephen Marley will be among several reggae acts performing at the Smile Jamaica/Africa Unite concert at James Bond Beach in Oracabessa, St Mary.

Happy Birthday Bob Marley

Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945, at Rhoden Hall in St. Ann, Jamaica.

As a child, he lived at Nine Miles in St. Ann, but moved to Kingston with his mother while still in his early teens.
They lived in the Trench Town area and he attended several primary schools. Bob was sent to learn welding at the age of fifteen but gave this up for music, which he dearly loved.

In 1964 Bob teamed up with Neville Livingston (Bunny Wailer) and Winston McIntosh (Peter Tosh) to form the "Wailing Wailers".

The group experienced many difficulties and membership changes, but eventually settled and called themselves the "Wailers". They formed Tuff Gong Label in 1970, which marked a turning point in their career. Soon the Wailers' reputation had spread outside Jamaica.

After the breakdown of the group in 1974, Bob formed his own group "Bob Marley and the Wailers". His success was Phenomenal and he was acknowledged internationally as the world's best reggae music exponent.
At the peak of his career, and with many hits to his credit, Bob succumbed to cancer and died on May 11, 1981. Shortly before his death, the government of Jamaica awarded him the Order of Merit in recognition of his contribution to Jamaican music.

Two statues have been executed in honour of Bob Marley. One by Christopher Gonzales, located at the National Gallery of Jamaica and the other by Alvin Marriot, which stands in Celebrity Park close to the National Stadium.
Bob Marley's musical legacy was left in good hands. His widow Rita, a reggae singer in her own right, and their children, "The Melody Makers", continued to build on their rich inheritance to the benefit of Jamaica.

Bob Marley's birthday is being celebrated globally.In Imphal, India, there will be staging of the 13th Annual Bob Marley Tribute, held for 12 years in Shillong, and for the first time in Imphal with music by Roots Reggae Band featuring guest artistes Daniel Boko from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh; Rewben Mashangva from Ukhrul, Manipur; PhuNingDing from Karbi Anglong, Assam; Dymsal from Shillong, Meghalaya; X-Cannibals from Imphal, Manipur and Jerry from Aizawl, Mizoram.

In Kenya, from February 6-8, there will be Bob Marley Day Street Walk and shows. The street walk will join children from Nairobi, Mombasa , Kisumu, Meru and Nyeri who have been affected by the crisis of election in the country. Events include First Word of Jah (Prayer), a fun day and a concert
On Friday February 8, Mexico will host a Tribute to the Reggae Legends (formerly Bob Marley Day) Celebration in El Foro, Tijuana, while Slovenia will have a Reggae Vibes Earthday Celebration of Honourable Robert Nesta Marley in Tovarna Rog, Ljubljana, today

For more global celebrations check the Jamaican Observer.

The Jamaican Gleaner did a tribute to Bob by interviewing several people who knew Bob well.
Lorana Wainwright, a neighbor, was quoted as saying, " I used to climb up in a tree and look over and I was fascinated with the family. Not only did Bob bring a sense of peace with his music but has made Global awareness of Reggae and Rastafarian.
He would of been 63 today. There is much controversy as to whether or not he should of had the surgery that could of saved his life. However, Bob knew he would be more accepted in death than in life. He prophesied his death years beforehand, so he was ready. Rest in Peace Bob.

Taking a Break For Awhile

Well, I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow so will not be online here for awhile. Wishing everyone much love and peace in their life. Remember Respect goes a long way. It is a two way street.

As Bob would say ONELOVE>.

LATER..IRIEGAL

I am Legend

I Am Legend Has A Heavy Bob Marley Influence

Well over at my neighbor's blog, YardFromAbroad, she went an viewed I am Legend this past weekend and she give an excellent review. She states it has a strong Bob Marley presence in the film. I did not see it, but after reading her excellent review I am going to check it out this weekend. Thanks MrsYFA for this review.

Dancehall music- Too Explicit??

In recognition of the growing problem with Aids in Jamaica I am gearing this post about the influence of Sexual Lyrics in Dancehall and whether or not it should be a responsibility of the artist or artists to monitor themselves.

The fact is most Reggae Artist have very young listeners, (especially in Jamaica). Music is the spirit of the Jamaican Soul. It was through music that many of the slaves were able to endure working in the cane fields (similar to the Western experience of the blacks in the Cotton Fields).

One artist I that was always bringing some positive vibes to us was Bob Marley. That is not to say Bob didn't have his slackness tunes as well. He made commercial success though by marketing the positive aspects of the reggae sounds

I find in Jamaica, where the Aids epidemic is so very high that it IS the the artist responsibility to make sure they monitor the contents of their lyrics. Sometimes people have a tendancy to act on the words of the entertainers, so they should know the message they are sending. Two songs come to my mind instantly. (Tek Buddy Gyal and Elephant Man's "Bring Yuh P---- ) Mavado has a recent hit with "Force It Up"

When I see a little 3 year old whining up herself and doing the "dutty whine dance," I don't think it is cute at all. Can music breed promiscuity. I believe it can. Music sets the mood and tune for many things we feel emotionally in life. I never saw anyone making love to " Theme from 007 by James Bond." I can however see people doing it like Luther Vandross or Marvin Gaye."

Several Artist such as Ce'Cile will be performing tomorrow in Africa Jamaican Observer, that she felt it was her duty as an artist to help raise awareness.

I fear those as long as Sex is sells records, that in Jamaica it will always be a #1 best seller for all artist that feel they have to go that route.

Tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers

I did a tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers. It is a remake of Bob Marley's video. I incorporated some pictures and added a theme.

enjoy.

Bob Marley-Happy Birthday

Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945, at Rhoden Hall in St. Ann, Jamaica.

As a child, he lived at Nine Miles in St. Ann, but moved to Kingston with his mother while still in his early teens.
They lived in the Trench Town area and he attended several primary schools. Bob was sent to learn welding at the age of fifteen but gave this up for music, which he dearly loved.

In 1964 Bob teamed up with Neville Livingston (Bunny Wailer) and Winston McIntosh (Peter Tosh) to form the "Wailing Wailers".

The group experienced many difficulties and membership changes, but eventually settled and called themselves the "Wailers". They formed Tuff Gong Label in 1970, which marked a turning point in their career. Soon the Wailers' reputation had spread outside Jamaica.

After the breakdown of the group in 1974, Bob formed his own group "Bob Marley and the Wailers". His success was Phenomenal and he was acknowledged internationally as the world's best reggae music exponent.
At the peak of his career, and with many hits to his credit, Bob succumbed to cancer and died on May 11, 1981. Shortly before his death, the government of Jamaica awarded him the Order of Merit in recognition of his contribution to Jamaican music.

Two statues have been executed in honour of Bob Marley. One by Christopher Gonzales, located at the National Gallery of Jamaica and the other by Alvin Marriot, which stands in Celebrity Park close to the National Stadium.
Bob Marley's musical legacy was left in good hands. His widow Rita, a reggae singer in her own right, and their children, "The Melody Makers", continued to build on their rich inheritance to the benefit of Jamaica.

Bob Marley's birthday is being celebrated globally.In Imphal, India, there will be staging of the 13th Annual Bob Marley Tribute, held for 12 years in Shillong, and for the first time in Imphal with music by Roots Reggae Band featuring guest artistes Daniel Boko from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh; Rewben Mashangva from Ukhrul, Manipur; PhuNingDing from Karbi Anglong, Assam; Dymsal from Shillong, Meghalaya; X-Cannibals from Imphal, Manipur and Jerry from Aizawl, Mizoram.

In Kenya, from February 6-8, there will be Bob Marley Day Street Walk and shows. The street walk will join children from Nairobi, Mombasa , Kisumu, Meru and Nyeri who have been affected by the crisis of election in the country. Events include First Word of Jah (Prayer), a fun day and a concert
On Friday February 8, Mexico will host a Tribute to the Reggae Legends (formerly Bob Marley Day) Celebration in El Foro, Tijuana, while Slovenia will have a Reggae Vibes Earthday Celebration of Honourable Robert Nesta Marley in Tovarna Rog, Ljubljana, today

For more global celebrations check the Jamaican Observer.

The Jamaican Gleaner did a tribute to Bob by interviewing several people who knew Bob well.
Lorana Wainwright, a neighbor, was quoted as saying, " I used to climb up in a tree and look over and I was fascinated with the family. Not only did Bob bring a sense of peace with his music but has made Global awareness of Reggae and Rastafarian.
He would of been 63 today. There is much controversy as to whether or not he should of had the surgery that could of saved his life. However, Bob knew he would be more accepted in death than in life. He prophesied his death years beforehand, so he was ready. Rest in Peace Bob.

TrenchTown

Trenchtown is located in Kingston. (Jamaica's largest city). The name came about because the neighborhood had a large open trench running through it. Living in Trenchtown in the late 60's and 70's was hard. Two major rival Jamaican political parties , The Peoples National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party, had emerged in Kingston and enforced code that ensured only their party’s supporters had access to jobs and services.

They sponsored "dons" to enforce their authority in the so-called "garrison communities" and shot any opponents with guns. Trench town was controlled by the PNP, which put it at war with neighboring Rema, a JLP stronghold. The road connecting the two became the front-line in an all-out war. After a while the "dons" outgrew their masters and turned to drug trafficking and extortion, and Trenchtown, like other parts of downtown Kingston, was carved up into warring gang territories.

I remember working at the record shop on Orange Street and how sometimes we had to lock up early due to the fighting. It was hard times in Jamaica. Certain things were scarce (flour, sugar, overseas products).




One of the best things ever to come out of Trenchtown was a young upstart named, Robert Nester Marley. He is known better as "BOB MARLEY." To Bob Trenchtown was home. This was where he got most of the feeling for his songs. Trenchtown was the heart and soul he put in his music. Trenchtown had so many musical artist (aside from Bob) that called it doors home.

Alton Ellis, Peter Tosh, Bunny Livingston, Rita Marley and the list goes on.