Iconic peacemaker, singer, and songwriter Bob Marley would have been 70 years old this February, and as the world prepares to remember his legacy, his home country of Jamaica is set to make history by hosting the 23rd annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash. A city-wide party scheduled for February 1 through 6, 2015, Marley’s birthday event will be a time of joy and remembrance for those in attendance.
This year’s celebration promises to be particularly special. To the anticipation of fans worldwide, Marley’s family is unveiling private footage at this year’s event, which features a live show of Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1978. Marley’s 1984 release, Legend, reached a top 5 spot on the Billboard charts in 2014, which serves as a testament to his continued influence and importance in popular culture.
Held in Negril, Marley’s upcoming birthday celebration is attracting visitors from around the world who wish to experience the essence of reggae’s godfather, taste a variety of tropical food, and absorb the sounds and sights of local culture. The six-day event kicks off February 1, 2015 in partnership with the Bob Marley Foundation, and promises to keep attendees jammin’.
Once the party officially begins, guests will enjoy the sounds of lively local drummers during the Rastafari Nyabinghi Presentation, followed by five nights of colorful parties, tribute bands, and festivals. Considering the event is commemorating the future face of the world’s first marijuana brand , guests will have a large selection of foods from which to choose. Concluding with the all-day One Love Celebration, Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash will welcome fans and celebrities alike.
With expected attendance in the thousands, the city of Negril is preparing for heavy traffic, while local businesses secure additional staff. Those unable to make it to the large celebration in Jamaica will find the entire week filled with parties scheduled around the world, from London to Boston, designed to commemorate Marley, his beliefs, and his talent.
However, for the lucky few able to make the trek to Negril, a first glimpse at previously unreleased concert footage will be the reward. Scheduled to debut February 17, 2015, Easy Skanking in Boston ’78 is set to premier at Marley’s 70th Birthday Bash, kicking off a yearlong initiative put in motion by Marley’s family, as reported by Rolling Stone .
An advocate for peace and compassion, Bob Marley is remembered both for his local contributions as a statesman and his lyrical contributions to the world, despite losing a noble battle with cancer in 1981. Throughout 2015, reggae fans can expect new video and audio recordings to emerge due to the generosity of Marley’s loved ones.