Staff Writer - Latoya Wakefield
On February 6, Jamaica celebrated the birth of an universal icon, Robert Nesta Bob Marley, popularly known as Bob Marley. The Great Bob came on this earth the year World War two ended, that is, in 1945 and very sadly died on May 11, 1981. He would be 67 years old if he was alive today. Through his music, the world grew to love, respect and honour this man.
His songs weren’t just words to a beat. His music was like a philosophy. In the words of his mother Cedella Marley ” He made regggae music to uplift us, inform, entertain, inspire and make change in the world. He’s a musician, a poet and songwriter, a philosopher, a soldier, an activist and a leader” She couldn’t have said it any better.
Whenever I listen to his songs, it always has a positive effect on me. One person mentioned to me that it would be cultural suicide if a Jamaican did not listen to his songs. For me though, I listen to his music because his music greatly appeals to me. I tried compiling my top 10 list but I love too many of his songs. So here’s my top 15 songs of Bob Marley:
15. Satisfy my soul
Painting courtesy of Kavion Robinson
14. Young, gifted & black
13. Jammin’
12. I shot the sheriff
11. Running away
10. Waiting in Vain
9. Natural Mystic
8. Exodus
7. Pimpass’ Paradise
6. One Love
5. Trench Town Rock
4. Concrete Jungle
3. No Woman no cry
2. Is this Love & Turn your Lights down low
1. Redemption Song
Painting courtesy of Kavion Robinson
‘Is this Love’ & ‘Turn your lights down low’ both got second place as I could decide which one I love more. There are so many some that I fancy that I didn’t mention such as ‘Stir it up’, ‘Three little Birds’, ‘Buffalo Soldier’ many others. It is said that Bob Marley wrote about 230 songs, produced about 500 and had about 40-50 hit songs. I’m sure that a lot more that I didn’t mention that you love. Please comment below and share your favourites with us. One love until next time.
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