A Tribute to Bob
Marley
On May 11, 1981 Mother Earth lost one of her noble inhabitants (37 years ago). He was light in weight, yet, mighty in spirit. In a 1976
work titled “Rat Race”, Mr. Marley warns on the need to address the so called “free
enterprise”; a systemic fiscal structure that rotates only in beneficial to
those on the monetarist echelon. While majority are encouraged to partake, but (weakened
fiscally to) simply gyrate in it without victory. He warns further that lack of
adequate inclusions may lead to socio economic calamity.
And in a subsequent work titled “Roots Natty
Roots”, Mr. Marley translates the need for each to be appreciative of one’s
ethnic-identity and encourage individual to vacate mindsets of historical disparagements
that cast certain ethnic in a state of nothingness, as opposed to focus on those
naturally induced attributes that make us unique.
And then in 1979, (in a work titled “Ride Natty
Ride”) Mr. Marley systematically applauded dexterity of ethno-African
enterprises worldwide, to reflect on how much they’ve accomplished (even) under
those embittered economic circumstances.
And while promoting peace for humanity, he was
taken away from us too soon, but you are unconquered still by the legacy of
your work. The generations hereon understand the impact of your work, and the
sacrifice you made so that we can see the light. And the Light, yes (Brother
Bob!) indeed, we saw.
As some of us
are now “frozen in Time” with your work, as the contexts are the needed armory
in combating various systemic challenges we faced. And if the Sun rises and
shine for all, (according to your command), we shall ‘never give up the fight’.
Sleep well, my
Lord.
© Moses Abiola
