Concert to honor Marley

A concert to mark the 64^th anniversary of the birth of the late Jamaican reggae star, Bob Marley will be held in Shashemane town on 7 February.

Speaking over the phone, Sydney Salmon, one of the organizers and performers at the event, told Addis Journal that the concert will commemorate the life and ideals of Marley, who died from cancer at the age of 36.

Ethiopian vocal singer Niway Debebe will be performing at the event along with the Lion of Shashemene, Sydney Salmon and the Imperial Majestic Band, K.Alyn, Teddy Dan and Small Axe.

Sydney said that that he and the Rastafarian community are thrilled to have the famous Ethiopian artist, Niway perform at the event. “Other than Teddy Afro, Neway is the only artist that has come forward to work with the Rasta community,” Sydeny stated.

The event will include events, bazaars, and visit and breakfast program for students of a school built by the Rastas. A newly built health center would also be inaugurated.

Sydney said it was important that the festival should have a purpose other than simply seek to entertain.

The Jamaican singer,Bob Marley would have turned 64 on 6 February, but died prematurely from cancer in 1981.He regarded Ethiopia as his spiritual home and he visited Shashemene in 1979 in quest of a genuine Ethiopian experience. During his Ethiopian visit, Marley tried to stage a benefit concert for children’s charity, but his effort was thwarted by the security-conscious Marxist government.

His widow, Rita Marley who is in town, is expected to attend the event. Entrance for the event is 25 Birr.