Tributes aplenty for Bob Marley on his birthday

The sounds of Redemption Song floated through Emancipation Park in New Kingston as Jahmiel paid tribute to Bob Marley on his birthday on Tuesday.

Jahmiel was one in a long list of artistes who hailed the Reggae King by performing songs from his extensive catalogue.

"Bob Marley is one of my favourite artistes. Bob Marley music has shaped the way I think, so it was important for me to be here," Jahmiel told THE STAR. He added, "Bob Marley's music represents righteousness, good ova evil, life ova death, and truth. And that is the same message that I represent."

Prior to Jahmiel's performance, Shuga, Nadine Sutherland, Exco Levi, Slashe, Historyman, Christopher Ellis, Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, David Cairol and Jah Fabio had also performed their favourite Marley songs.

A standout performance came from Mexican reggae artiste, Jah Fabio, who told THE STAR that it was his first performance in Kingston and he was overwhelmed by the positive response.

"This is more than a dream to me. Reggae music changes my life and I am happy to be here at Bob Marley celebration to give back. I don't like to take people's culture and not say thanks. My parents teach me to be grateful," Jah Fabio said.

It was a night on which the members of the music fraternity turned out in their numbers to celebrate Marley's birthday, and the fact that there were no Marleys present in the Park didn't matter.

Among those who were not performing, but felt that it was important for them to be marked present, were Kabaka Pyramid, Turbulence and Pashon Minott.

Minister of Culture, Olivia Grange, in her brief message, welcomed the Marley fans and shared that she was in discussions with the family of the late musician Aston 'Family Man' Barrett to bring his body home to Jamaica. Barrett was one of the original Wailers who played with Marley.

She also urged the young artistes to "protect the legacy ".