Stephen Marley rekindles spirit of Nina Simone with reggae EP

Eight-time Grammy Award-winning reggae singer and producer, Stephen Marley, has expressed the need for more activism through music.

Marley, in a recent interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, cited the example of Nina Simone -- an American singer who lent her voice to the cause of black empowerment -- and said that more entertainers should follow in her footsteps.

"Nina Simone was a brilliant musician, more importantly, she was a revolutionist. Nina used her platform to protest the injustice of our people, much like my dad," said Stephen, son of reggae great Bob Marley.

MUSICAL ACTIVISM

"Through her music, you could hear her activism, which is something I would love to hear and see more of in our teachings. If more people spoke out directly like Nina Simone did, I think we'd be in a different position," he added.

With an aim to familiarise his audience with the work of the eclectic musician and civil rights activist who died in 2003, Marley has produced a seven-track EP, titled Celebrating Nina: A Reggae Tribute to Nina Simone.

"Only those who don't know Nina Simone would ask why her, which is why projects like these are important, to bring these great artistes to a new generation," he said.

It features covers done by female reggae singers Queen Ifrica, Etana and his sister Cedella Marley, along with Canadian singer Melanie Fiona, Brooklyn-based Indie-pop singer Maya Azucena, and British singers-songwriters Joss Stone and Terri Walker.

When asked about how each singer represented the passion and personality of Nina Simone, Marley said: "I would leave that up to the listeners to compare. I will say these are all queens, and they all have strong personalities that embody the same powerful spirit as Nina."

He said that though he did not meet the icon, he felt connected to her through her music, which crossed several genres, including classical, R&B, soul, jazz, pop, and gospel.

"My grandaunt had her records, along with others such as Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, and I would always love the way her music made me feel. I might have never met her physically, but I know her spirit," he said.

"Nina Simone is a global icon. Her protest through her music is one that can resonate with people all around the world."