Some weeks ago we looked at the man himself and the message that Bob Marley was trying to send through his music, but what about the spread of reggae? What was the impact Bob Marley and the Wailers had on the world? Exactly how inspirational was he? Let us take a look at the influence his music had on musicians around the world.

Rastafarianism is at the very heart of Bob Marley’s music. It is the base on which the music we all know and love is built on. So when we discuss the importance of his music and its international spread we must also take this into account, because with the rise of his music also came the increased interest in Rastafarianism. When in 1972 Catch a Fire was released, this marked the beginning of their international success followed by Burnin’ in 1973 and Natty Dread in 1975. This album marked the beginning of their major international tours and the beginning of the global phenomenon of Bob Marley, Reggae and Rastafarianism.

“I love the development of our music, that’s what I
really dig about the whole thing. How we’ve tried
to develop, y’know? It grows. That’s why every day
people come forward with new songs. Music goes on
forever.” -Bob Marley 1979

This development of the music and the desire to bring about equality, the fight for justice for all and the call for resistance against oppression were bound to have an international effect. This impact remains its heaviest on those who were/are suffering from repression and discrimination. His influence gave rise to black consciousness which gave him a strong following throughout the continent of Africa. The 1980 concert in Zimbabwe was an inspiration to Marley to continue fighting for the rights of blacks and the uniting of Africa and Africans all over the world. The impact he left behind on African music however is astounding, with many recognized artists today attributing much of their musical inspiration to Bob Marley. Among this group of musicians is Lucky Dube (RIP), one of the biggest musicians to come out of South Africa. Lucky Dube was considered to be the musician who could fill the gap left behind since Marley’s death in 1981. Like Marley his music was all about the messages, he continued to speak out about racial oppression and call for the evaporation of the barriers which separate white and black. This spirit can be seen in the song One Colour;

“Bible says, he made man in his image
But it didn’ t say black or white
Look at me you see BLACK
I look at you I see WHITE
Now is the time to kick that away
And join me in my song
Different Colours. One People.”

Another African musician emulating Bob Marley is Alpha Blondy from the Ivory Coast. To many it is Alpha Blondy who is the real embodiment of the movement and him who has earned the nickname “The Bob Marley of Africa”. Where Lucky Dube had the messages of political and societal change embedded in his song lyrics, Alpha Blondy also included the spiritual message. Similar to Bob Marley, Blondy used his music to criticise the government and police control as well as spread the message of Jah and unity through his extensive knowledge of many religions. Blondy’s first album was released only one year after the death of Bob Marley and the influence of Marley can be seen in his music. His history is not dissimilar after all, both were mistreated time and time again by police, both grew up primarily under the care of relatives and both experienced political unrest. Taking these things into account, it is easy to see why Marley was such a big impact on his music. Blondy sung in several languages and attempts to unite all the worlds’ people regardless of colour or religious belief.

“Let’s try to cultivate the positive side of us, because we are really one!” – Alpha Blondy 1997

Marley’s influence in Jamaica and on ex-patriot Jamaicans is undeniable, there are many if not all musicians to come out of Jamaica that can not and do not cite Marley as an influence. Possibly the most interesting to note is Linton Kwesi Johnson a Jamaican born Londoner, more a poet that a musician. His poetry has earned him international acclaim. Johnson eloquently exposed the truths behind racism and stood up to the government campaigning for equality and an end to racial oppression in Britain.

“Rastafari was a very important movement and an antidote to 400 years of colonial brainwashing!” - Linton Kwesi Johnson 1998

Like many of the artists mentioned here, Johnson was also no stranger to racially based police brutality. However unlike Marley, Johnson does not exhibit strong religious messages. He is a fighter against ignorance who acknowledges the importance of Rastafarianism on himself and the world.

“Rasta is important for me on that level - as a cultural force that broadened our consciousness and opened our consciousness to our African heritage and our African ancestry.” – Linton Kwesi Johnson 1997

He is known internationally as the first reggae dub style poet, Johnson’s influence on the musical and Rasta world like Marley has influenced many styles of music today. Including rap and dub… But that’s a story for another time.

There are many other bands, poets, musicians, activists and humanitarians who have been inspired by Bob Marley. But, as you can see, Marley had such a large impact on the world. Not just a musical impact but a revolutionary impact which changed the world and will continue to do so in years to come. Next week we will take a look at his influence on Maori culture, music and history. With his music he spread so much more than an interesting style.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this ridiculously long entry as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you. One love people.

Laurie May
Bob Marley photo David Corio
Lucky Dube photo Mail & Guardian Online
Alpha Blondy photo afropop.org
Linto Kwesi Johnson photo Rankin

The Bob Marley series:
Part I: introduction
Part II: Marley’s message
Part IV: redeemer of the colonised