Jackson Free Press

Febuary 1, 2006

Be ye from the hills or valleys, at some point you have more than likely bobbed your head slowly to Bob Marley's declaration, "No woman no cry." But just like with any true artist, there's much more to be said of this musical icon other than trivial facts about his music. Some call him a musical prophet.

As a teenager, Robert Nesta Marley had an interest in music as he and his friend Neville "Bunny" O'Riley, who would become one of his band mates, would sit and listen to Ray Charles and Fats Domino on an American radio station out of New Orleans. After quitting school, Marley's vision was precise: the perfecting of his own music. Indisputedly, he did this.

Some Jamaicans believe that "reggae" was coined in 1968 by a dance single, "Do the Reggay." Others believe that it comes from the Bantu language, while some believe it was borrowed from "streggae," a Jamaican reference to a prostitute. The origins of the word "reggae" are unclear, but its roots are deep and can be traced back to traditional African Caribbean music, r&b, jazz, ska and rock-steady. The rhythm style of the music is distinguishable by its back beats, heavy bass drum often on the third beat of each measure and a rhythmic guitar. There are various forms of reggae, but most often it is recognized as a spiritual type of music with lyrics that emphasize Jah (God). Increasingly, Rasta is seen less strictly as a religion and more as a concept. This is possible, in part, because of Haile Selassie, the group's deified figure, who promoted education through history and peace, which are of universal importance.

The Wailers, the group that Marley and "Bunny" formed, made many more musical waves than ever expected. The members of the band changed over the years, but the music produced was revolutionary with a conscience and had an allegiance to social and spiritual issues. This became the foundation upon which Marley's legacy was built.

Fast forwarding to 2002, Nelajah and Ras Kenyz, owners and operators of the Kuumba Afrikan Market, set out to raise consciousness about solidarity, peace, equal rights and justice after unrest in Iraq began to escalate. There was no other symbol they saw fit to serve as unifier for this event than Bob Marley. So began the Bob Marley Celebration of World Peace. This celebration is one of the few of its kind that brings both visual artists and performance artists together under one roof. The couple anticipates that their efforts will one day be a catalyst for bringing racial harmony and reconciliation to their home state of Mississippi.

"Reggae," which Bob Marley is acclaimed for, "has influenced people worldwide," says Ras. "The slow heartbeat and natural rhythm of it makes the message of the music easier to get across." This music whose superstars are typically seen as 'lock-wearing Rastas who acknowledge the power of ganja are more than simply that, but rather ones whose aim it is to live life in its purest form—in harmony with nature. Music, because of its universality, breaks barriers. This form of music communicates its messages to listeners by taking them and cradling them in its slow, steady movement and singing them a lullaby of harmony.

Nelajah and Kenyz are not newcomers to this culture. While born in the Magnolia state, they've spent a wealth of their adult lives traveling abroad, sleeping and eating with those who were closest to Marley and his philosophies about life. His wife Rita Marley, who once lived in Miami, established the Marley Foundation where Nelajah and Kenyz worked closely with her and one of the couple's sons, Ziggy, in 1989. Further, they've toured as distributors with Jimmy Cliffe, Rolling Stones, Jonathan Remme, Sam Kennison and even The Wailers themselves. When asked about their embracing this way of life, Nelajah comments, "the journey is in us, but we didn't recognize it until the early '80s."

The Fourth Bob Marley Celebration of World Peace will be Feb. 3-5. On Friday, Feb. 3, you can expect to hear DJ C-Lecta, and Saturday, the celebration will feature some of the most recognized acts in reggae today. Queen Mother Moses will be here from Jamaica as well as local artists. The weekend will be capped off on Sunday evening with Rude Boyz International from Atlanta, Sis. YaYa and spoken word poetry. These events will be held at Seven*Studioz. Marley was once quoted as saying, "Me only have one ambition, y'know. I only have one thing I'd really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together—black, white, Chinese, everyone—that's all." We can make his ambition come true starting this weekend. Be a part of Jackson's "One World."