Few people throughout history have surpassed the role of celebrity to become icons. Che Guevera, James Dean and Jim Morrison have all joined this exclusive group, but perhaps no individual fits into this category more than Bob Marley. One must only roam campus a short time before seeing his face emblazoned on T-shirts, dorm posters and even painted on the window of a local tobacco shop.
What is it about the reggae legend that makes him revered by such a large portion of the campus population?
“I like Bob Marley because he wanted to use his music as a positive force,” said Ethan Mohr, a junior in film studies. “But most importantly his music is just chill and helps me relax.”
Music legend Bob Marley, immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, would have turned 69-years-old this Friday. A birthday bash will be held at the Kings Art Complex in his honor.
Loryn Birchfield, a junior in marketing, agrees.
“[Marley’s music] gets me happy and gives off a positive vibe.”
Ivy Chevers not only understands the Marley phenomenon, but also the culture that made the man. Chevers is the Acting and Cultural Arts & Education director at The King Arts Complex in downtown Columbus. Chevers lived in Jamaica for more than 18 years, which gave her a first-hand look into Rastafari culture. She later earned her doctorate from Ohio State while studying the Rastafari culture in Columbus.
“He was very charismatic,” Chevers said. “He surpasses racial and ethnic boundaries.”
However, Chevers says it wasn’t pure charisma that allowed Marley to rise to the forefront of reggae and win the adoration of millions. She said it is important for students to understand the Rastafari movement before they can understand Marley.
“Bob Marley was influenced in his early days by Rasta elders,” she said. “Its influence would later come out in the music.”
She said it is the Rastafari aspect of Marley’s personality that appeals most to college students. “Rasta people are very into truth and equal justice,” Chevers said.
Chevers will host the “One Love Birthday Bash” tour at the King Arts Complex on Friday, what would have been Marley’s 69th birthday. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with the airing of “Africa Unite,” a 2007 documentary co-produced by Danny Glover. The documentary features live performance footage of Marley’s sons performing in Ethiopia, a key location in the Rastafarian faith, and footage of Bob Marley performing in New York in 1980.
Following the film, James Henke, vice president of Exhibitions & Curatorial Affairs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, will give a lecture. Henke wrote the book “Marley Legend: An Illustrated Life of Bob Marley.”
During the final portion of the night, Chevers will host a discussion panel with professionals including Henke, who will offer insight into the musical aspect of Marley’s life. Chevers and members of the audience will ask the panelists questions.
The Saturday event will include the “Jamaican Me Crazy” concert celebrating Marley’s musical legacy. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. and will feature performances from Carlos Jones and The Plus Band as well as The Flew Crew.
Chevers hopes the events will attract a diverse audience, including people who listen to Marley regularly and those who just want to learn more about the man behind the zeitgeist.
Tickets are $5 for Friday night’s events and $20 for the concert Saturday. A ticket for both nights can be purchased for $15. The King Arts Complex ticket office can be reached at 614-645-5464.
R. Book can be reached at [email protected].
