Sunday, July 19, 2009

G H A N A BIG'S UP B O B M A R L E Y

G H A N A B I G' S U P B O B M A R L E Y




Enjoy BadGals Bob Marley Vault - Nothing but Marley

Reggae's greatest ambassador, Robert Nesta 'Bob' Marley, was recently honoured by the Ghanian organisation, the Diaspora African Forum (DAF) which erected a memorial marble plaque for the Jamaican musical icon.

Witnessed by dignitaries, comprising Chiefs and Elders of the community, Rastafarians, school children as well as scores of onlookers, the plaque erected on the Sankofa Wall at the DAF Mission, in Accra, Ghana, was officially unveiled by his widow Rita Marley during a civic ceremony recently.

The DAF is an African Union-endorsed initiative that links Africans at home and abroad together for the development of Africa. DAF's Sankofa Wall, located on the historic WEB Dubois land grant, is filling fast with names of Africans from the Diaspora such as Jamaica's Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Harriet Tubman and many other renowned and departed black figures.

"It was only fitting that Mr Marley, also known by his Ethiopian Orthodox baptismal name Berhane Selassie, was memorialised on the wall reserved for African ancestors and loved ones who spent their lives committed to Africa," a DAF release states.

According to the release, a long-time friend of Nana (African title) Rita Marley, Dr Desta Meghoo, said "Brother Berhane Selassie deserves this honour as the musical voice of Africans at home and abroad, the plaque gives him a place of remembrance in his ancestral home of Ghana."

Meghoo assisted in co-ordinating the event in her capacity as a director of the DAF Mission and liaison to the African Union. Nana Rita Marley OD, was surrounded by her Queen Mothers from her village in Aburi as she expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Marley family. A resident of Ghana, Rita Marley has made great impact on Ghana through various initiatives including a recording studio, art gallery, health centre, schools, and infrastructure said, "I love Ghana, this is my home so this honour means a lot to my family, his fans, and of course to me."

Bob Marley rose to international fame in the 1970's with songs of freedom, liberation and justice for black peoples of the world. His songs became the voice of the voiceless, giving rise to a cross section of supporters ranging in age, class, culture, gender and race.

Source: The Jamaica Observer

1 comment:

Cher Duncombe said...

My oldest son actually got me hooked on Bob Marley. Thanks for the great post! My son now thinks his mom is the shit. :)