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How Did Bob Marley Impact Jamaica?

Answered by Isheba Cornwall, Associate Writer

Many of us have heard about the great Bob Marley and the impact his music had and still has on the world. However, we have never really spoken about the great impact he has in his home country - Jamaica.

Bob Marley, who was born Robert Nesta Marley was a Jamaican singer and songwriter who became an international musical and cultural icon who did a mixture of reggae, ska and rocksteady in his compositions.

He was born on February 6, 1945 in Nine Mile, St. Ann but later moved to Trench Town, Kingston when he was 12 years old. Bob served as a symbol of Jamaican culture and identity and because of this was awarded Jamaica's third highest honour, The Order of Merit.

HOW DID HE INFLUENCE JAMAICA?

Bob Marley's music influenced the genesis of Jamaica's Reggae Month which is celebrated in February each year. This celebration is one that has young people dying for the month of February to come by so that they can perform all the best hits from the musical emissary.

This time around students from basic school straight up to University would put on shows, performing his music and talking about his earlier life and his influence on the world.

In a time like this where other popular genre of music are dominating the world, Marley's music continues to impact the youth of Jamaica in encouraging them to learn and appreciate their culture and their roots.

Bob Marley was able to impact his nation on a deeper level also by inspiring political and practical changes along with well needed conversation.

This social activist, on two occasions, in 1976 and 1978, brought together two opposing Jamaican parties; In 1978 to embrace in front of the audience at the "One Love Peace Concert."

Even though he isn't with us now, Marley is still able to get Jamaica to come together as a people, come together as one to understand and appreciate the Jamaican culture, music, our way of life and our roots.

He has inspired several local musicians over the years to start a musical career and through his struggles have been able to motivate them to achieve greatness through every bad situation.

Recently a group of young men ages 17-20 started what seems to be Jamaica's first boy band calling themselves "8" and when asked who was their musical inspiration, Bob Marley was the first name to be called.

Robert isn't just a musician, songwriter or a performer. He hasn't just influenced the world with his music, he managed to impact Jamaica with his positivity towards every situation, his humilty and his love for his people and his culture.

Be sure to read more about Bob Marley, The Legend, here.