Bob Marley: Jamaican Reggae and Rastafari Hero
Bob Marley is not only known for his great music that has inspired a whole generation of Reggae as well as Hip-Hop, but being a social activist that looked out for the rights of the people. He was integral in bringing not only quality music that could rock stage shows, but empowering messages that challenged the mind.
Bob Marley not only sold millions of records worldwide and influenced Reggae on a more global stream, but he was very active politically through his music. Marley considered himself a Black African and based his whole ideology on Marcus Garvey’s principles. Even through his songs like “Black Survivor”, “Babylon System”, and “Blackman Redemption”, he often protrude a message of black empowerment or a movement back to Africa much like Garvey’s teachings.
Additionally, he helped to push the Rastafarian movement in a time where it was completely misunderstood. He himself did not partake in meat eating much like other true Rastafari. He was even baptized by the Archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Kingston, Jamaica.
Marley’s influence on the music industry continues to reign in not only Hip-Hop and Reggae, but the lives of his kids as they explore their own musical endeavors.