A tribute to Bob Marley

Its quite uncanny that I happen to be reading Neville Garrick's report (written by Shelia Nopper) of Bob Marley's visit to Zimbabwe today February 6, Bob's birthday. Garrick shared that he believes that the trip to Zimbabwe was the highlight of Bob's career. This, he said is from the point of view of a Rasta, a black man and a freedom fighter. Initially, when the invitation from President Mugabe came for Bob to visit and perform in Zimbabwe for their independence celebrations, it was for Bob alone. But being the type of person Bob Marley was, he told the President that it would not make any sense for him alone to come because he is not just one person, he is an organisation. The long and short of it was that the Government of Zimbabwe, newly independent, did not have the funds to facilitate the entire band and so Bob Marley out of his own fortitude funded the trip to Zimbabwe from his personal funds. It is likely that Garrick feels that Zimbabwe was the highlight of Bob's career because of what transcended there. Basically "de place mash up" when Bob Marley went on the stage. People who were outside the stadium stormed inside and they had to fire tear gas at the crowd. A funny thing happened, the tear gas blew away from the crowd and into the royal box and everyone on stage had to scatter. After they were able to contain this dilemma, Bob came back on stage with "I Shot the Sheriff" but the high point was when Bob got to singing "Zimbabwe". It was as if the song was the official anthem of the country. Bob just had to hold the mike to the audience and allow them to sing their song. Garrick shared that is was a very overwhelming experience to see Zimbabwe being liberated and the red, green, gold and black flag replacing the flag of the imperialists. The experience was very uplifting, just seeing and being able to share in the pride and joy of a people. The people loved Bob Marley. They told him that if he were to stay in Zimbabwe they would make him a general. For through his music they saw him as a freedom fighter. Happy Birthday Bob! The message lives on. Favourite Bob Marley Song - "Rasta Man live up, Bongo Man don't give up"