Bob Marley would have been 80 years old on February 6; however, even in death, fans across the globe still celebrate him. He died in 1981 after battling cancer, but his voice has outlived him, with his music still playing in streets, homes, and hearts, spreading messages of unity and freedom.
Now, Marley’s family wants the world to come to celebrate his posthumous birthday in a way that feels just right — through music. His children and the team at Tuff Gong International have put together a series of global events that will allow fans to connect with his spirit.
Bob Marley’s family will host a livestream to celebrate his birthday
Marley’s family hosted a live tribute concert from Kingston, Jamaica, starting February 6 at 3 p.m. EST. Fans can stream on Tuff Gong’s YouTube channel, watching performances from Jamaican artists like Mortimer, Bugle, Kumar Fyah, and Naomi Cowan, all paying tribute to Marley’s music.
His daughter, Cedella Marley, says the family chose the event theme ‘Uprising’ because it perfectly captures her father’s spirit. His Uprising album carries some of his most powerful songs — tracks like “Could You Be Loved,” “Forever Loving Jah,” and “Redemption Song,” all of which still move people today.
The Bob Marley 80th birthday event includes a worldwide singalong for fans
The celebration did not stop with a concert, as another major feature — a worldwide singalong is set to bring fans together even more. The singalong was organized by the Bob Marley Foundation and will take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
An 8,000-member youth choir will lead the performance, singing Marley’s classics and sharing the moment live on YouTube. The lineup includes the premiere of the Bob Marley & I docuseries, which centers on The Wailers’ unforgettable 1975 concerts in London. More events will roll out throughout the year to mark Marley’s birthday.