15 May, 2007
GABORONE - Botswanas Rastafarian community converged on Gaborone Civic Centre on Saturday to celebrate the life of Robert Nesta Marley commonly known as Bob Marley.
The commemoration of Bob Marleys life was a fitting celebration for the man who has affected all people of all races and ages.
The man still leaves through his music and it does not look like he will ever disappear from the music industry.
Marley, who died 26 years ago, still gets the respect of Rastafarians and reggae music lovers as he had contributed tremendously to the music genre and the religion of Rastafarism.
The show at the civic centre started at a slow pace with just a few spectators in the afternoon but as the night approaches the hall was filled with people from all ages.
The show had a predominantly reggae line up but was diverse as kwaito music (Mapetla), kwasa-kwasa (Chris Manto 7) and hip-hop (Steez) were all represented.
Among the reggae greats were Steppin Razor and Oom G, Jah Revelation Sounds, Jahman States and Chanty Killa.
One of the organisers of the show Ras Kabelo Mokgalajwe said Bob Marley stood for Africaness so the inclusion of musicians from different genres was to show unity among all artists.
We wanted to promote African consciousness and talent, he said. Mokgalajwe also stated that the show was organised to celebrate the life of a great man, a musician and a true ambassador of African culture.
All the musicians and the spectators alike admitted that Marley has influenced their lives one way or the other.
In his words, Mapetla said I listen to Bobs songs before I write mine so as to get inspiration from this great musician.
Mapetla further stated that he did not get any payment for this show, as he wanted to pay his respect to the legend Bob Marley.
Chris Manto 7 said he sings his songs in his native Hambukushu as Marleys encouragement of Africans to maintain their African culture inspired him.
Steez who gave quite a performance as he managed to get the reggae loving audience to transcend and listen to his good hip-hop songs said, Marley is a legend that should never be forgotten.
A Rastafarian woman, Sister Rita Maloko, who came with her two children, Dimpho,7, and Thabo, 12, said Bob was a great man and he deserves the respect from the entire world as he has touched all people of all races through his powerful music. BOPA
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