Kingston Riddim & Rhyme

Before you head to JAMAICA’S Caribbean beaches, immerse yourself in capital city Kingston – the home of BOB MARLEY’S REGGAE, RHYTHM and BLUES.

- Ishay Govender-Ypma

Thirty-six. Both Robert Nesta Marley’s age when he died [of melanoma] and the number of years that have passed since that fateful day in 1981. For his loyal supporters, and the generations thereafter who have learned about his music from their parents’ dusty vinyl stashes, the radio stations playing retro hits and clubs that play the evergreen tracks, notably ‘Buffalo Soldier’ and ‘No Woman, No Cry’ in the early hours, Bob remains a legend.

A 2001 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame keeps his image alive to fans old and new. His brand of reggae slices through generations, with social and political messaging that remains relevant. ‘So Much Trouble In The World’, ‘Burnin’ And Lootin’’, ‘War’ and ‘Redemption Song’ carry the burden of themes plaguing current times. If we examine the world through Bob’s lyrics, though far from forthright as former The Wailers band member Peter Tosh’s are, one can’t but confront the reality that in spite of 36 long years, we’ve hardly moved an inch.