February 6th, 2010 | by
Editor | published in
Feature, Sound
Careful marketing is responsible for presenting Marley’s image to a new generation that was bound to find him because the struggle for equality and the search for songs of freedom are still relevant and pressing globally. In North America and Europe where Marley’s music is sold the most, his image is synonymous with weed (marijuana) smoking and being high – why is that?
February 1st, 2010 | by
Editor | published in
Feature, Sound
The Grammy Awards have come under criticism over the past years for focusing solely on reggae artist with mass cross-over appeal. The name Marley undoubtedly has such an appeal – both Marley and his children have won the award several times; in 1999 Bob Marley & The Wailers were first inducted to the Grammy Awards Hall of Fame
February 1st, 2010 | by
Editor | published in
Feature, Sound
Marley’s music made plain the intricacies of poverty, ‘mental slavery’, colonialism, oppressive civil society, relationships and Rastafari – themes that are alive and well in the Caribbean and in need of much discourse. Yet, from Port-of-Spain to Montego Bay, his image is relegated to t-shirts, mugs and assorted trinkets. The only value Marley seem to present to his homeland is his ability to draw tourists to the island in search of things the government have been slow to celebrate – marijuana and a Rastafarian lifestyle still marginalized on the island today.