Bob Marley

Dear Diary

It was September 23^th, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the Stanley Theatre. Bob Marley had been wildly rehearsing for that day's concert, not knowing that it would be his final one. A week prior to this concert, I had been incessantly calling in hopes of arranging an interview. I had interviewed many well-known musicians like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, and bands like the Bees Gees; Bob Marley was next on my list. I had always been connected to the relaxation and optimism portrayed within his music. Luckily, since the Stanley Theatre was near our recording studio, he had agreed that after his concert he would drop by to execute a short interview.

The night before as well as the entire next day, I was fretfully producing a script that would hopefully impress him or at least make him feel content. The last thing I wanted was for him to sense that I was a mad or psycho fan of his, even though in reality I was (oops). My level of excitement was uncontrollably rising and sinking. But eventually it all had turned into panic; nerve-wracking questions began dashing through my head: "Will I be able to understand him? Can I ask him about his illness? What about Jamaican politics? Ooh I need to research about that. Wait…is it rude to ask for a photo with him?"

I rose up to slightly adjust the heavy shoulder pads of my jet black blazer, and heard the loud creak of the front door opening. My heart sank. There he was standing there; he was slim. His worn out dreads extended down to his elbows, with a bright yellow and orange knitted cap drooping to his left side. His dark glossy eyes, immediately delivered the expression that "can we please get this started already". In return, I revealed a grin and burst out a loud welcome. It almost felt like the building shook from my excited/nervous/happy reaction. I extended my right arm, and blurted, "Welcome Bob Marley, please have a seat". I had polished the recording area beforehand, with the microphones ready to record.

At this time, he had loosened up a bit and taken a good look around the room.

I let out an "hmm" to break the silence and stuttered: "we are going to start recording in 3, 2, 1."

"Greetings fellow radio listeners; today we have Bob Marley in our studios, here to talk to you about his music. It is a great honor to have you here with us."

He smiled soothingly and nodded, "thank you for having me."

"To begin with, can you explain to us what Reggae music is?"

In his Jamaican accent, he addressed, "It is as simple as music with a message that originated from my home country in Jamaica. Elements of rock and soul music are visible within the moderate tempos."

"Would you ever think of trying or maybe even experimenting with other music perhaps?"

He adjusted his hat, and confessed, "Although I enjoy other music, I am most comfortable with Reggae music, as it defines who I am and empowers me to spread my global message."

"Can you please explain to our listeners today about the global message that you are spreading through your reggae music."

"I believe that it is important to spread the Rastafari movement against oppression, exploitation, and racism; for it not to be judged or discriminated against. This also goes for other religions and races. I greatly use the theme of war to stress on human rights issues, as I consider it is to be one of the world's most disastrous matter. More so, I have great faith in the idea that one's journey to find joy is through great positivity; liberate yourself from mental slavery! 'Jah' is the representation of goodness and love; it lives in you!"

"How do you use figurative language within your music?

"I mainly focus on the use of metaphors, specifically metaphors of oppression and freedom, such as chains and birds, in which portray social problems and ways of emancipation.”

"Last but not least, do you believe that your empowering message will live on for the next 50 years?"

"In fact, I do believe so; my message is very special and through my music, I have voiced all Jamaican people's interest in regards to spreading their message of struggle, across the globe. I have faith that the power and spirit that is within it will live very long. I believe that this mesmeric beat will lead further generations in the struggle for the Jamaican people's independence and the formulation of their unique identity."

Fascinated by his strong and inspiring words, I instantly came back to life and announced, "And with that ladies and gentlemen, we are done. Thank you for tuning in. Have a great evening!"