The Bob Marley Foundation in partnership with Digicel and Alacran Foundation will be celebrating the 74th‘earth strong’ of the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley OM, under the theme ‘CATCH A FIRE‘. Inspired by UNECSO’s recognition of Reggae as a genre of music worthy of protection and preservation, this year’s theme pays tribute to the 1973 critically acclaimed album which propelled Bob Marley and the Wailers to international stardom and arguably ignited the world’s love for Reggae.
“There is no doubt that my father’s music played an important role in placing Reggae and Jamaica on the world stage. Championing love while fighting against oppression and injustice through music was my father’s passion” says Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies. “The potent lyrics in my father’s message, even today, still reverberates throughout the world. Our 2019 theme, Catch a Fire, encourages everyone to find their passion and fearlessly pursue it with such intensity that it positively impacts the world.”
The annual Bob Marley ‘earth strong’ celebrations will take place on Tuesday, February 6 at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston. The activities will commence at 7:00 a.m. with specially invited guests and will include the blowing of the Abeng, cultural drumming and the cutting of the birthday cake, accompanied by the traditional welcome from the Marley family and highlights of the Bob Marley Foundation’s 2018 projects. This segment will also feature special performances from various schools within the corporate area including Charlie Smith High, St. Andrew Preparatory, Mona High School, Merl Grove High, Papine High, Haile Selassie High, King’s Gate Preparatory, Liguanea Preparatory School, Holy Trinity High and the University Chorale.
At 10:00 a.m., the Bob Marley Museum will open to the general public for a full day of activities. Through partnerships with the Alacran Foundation and Hope Zoo the Kiddies Village will feature a mobile zoo and a wide array of activities for children including book making, ceramic and balloon art, storytelling and hand painting.
CEO of the Alacran Foundation, Hopi Noel Morton, states, “As Reggae is a fundamental part of Jamaica’s rich culture, Alacran is thrilled about UNESCO’s acknowledgement of reggae music and will be celebrating such an achievement on Bob Marley’s 74th Birthday. Jamaica and its music have become the heartbeat of the Alacran Foundation and we stand firm in our commitment to support Jamaica’s pioneers and ambassadors – this is the driving force behind our partnerships with initiatives and ventures such as the Bob Marley Foundation and the Reggae Girlz.”
The Bob Marley Foundation continues to promote the development of the Jamaican culture through our exhibition village which features beautifully crafted products from local entrepreneurs. We encourage the public to support the Jamaican-made industry with us.
The Marley celebration is also geared toward public education on topical issues through its symposium series. There will be three symposiums on the following topics:
- “LIGHT IT UP! YOUTHS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MUSIC” – Impact of music on youth and popular culture.
- “IGNITING YOUR CAREER IN MUSIC” – Tips from music industry experts.
- “WORLD ON FIRE!” – Climate change: what can we really do?
The Reggae Jam session will commence at 3:00 p.m. and will showcase Bob Marley’s 74th ambassadors featuring rising stars such as Koffee, Naomi Cowan, Vanessa Bongo, 5 Star, and Notis Heavyweight Rockaz. Other top reggae acts will include Bongo Herman, Agent Sasco, Vershon, Iba Mahr, Richie Spice and many other surprise artistes.
Digicel continues to support the ‘Earth Strong’ celebration, joining the Foundation as the exclusive total communications and entertainment partner of Bob Marley Day celebrations.
“Being part of promoting Marley’s message is very important to how we use technology to preserve the legacy of one of Jamaica’s finest cultural icons, states Elon Powell, Digicel’s Public Relations and Communication Manager. “Digicel’s partnership with the Bob Marley Foundation will enable the combination of our online platforms, LTE and fibre networks to ensure that this celebration of Marley’s message and music reaches his fans across the world. Through this year’s theme, ‘Catch a Fire’, we hope that everyone who attends the event or joins the live stream will be inspired to make a more positive and meaningful impact upon the lives of others.”
Other key partners and sponsors joining this year’s celebration include Starlight Productions, Wisynco, Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ), Viking Productions, and the Jamaica Observer.
As the Bob Marley Foundation celebrates the indelible impact of Reggae and Bob Marley’s music on the world, the Foundation and its partners, encourage everyone to join them at 56 Hope Road for the “earth strong” celebrations on February 6, 2019. This year’s celebration will also be streamed live across the Bob Marley Museum’s social media platforms allowing the global community to share in the celebration of the Marley legacy. Follow happenings on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or tune in to Tuff Gong Television YouTube channel to keep abreast of all the excitement surrounding this year’s event!
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