Today, Friday, May 11, 2018 marks the 37th anniversary of the death of legendary reggae artiste, Bob Marley, who died at the age of 36 from cancer.
The influential singer was born Robert Nesta Marley on 6th February, 1945 in the small hamlet of Nine Miles, St Ann, Jamaica.
He moved to the slums of Trench town in Kingston where he started his music in the 1960s according to Wikipedia. From there, Bob Marley rose to become one of the most revered artistes of all time.
He, single-handed, put reggae music and Jamaican culture on the global map and at the height of his fame in the late 1970s had enriched the original roots rhythms with elements of other genres, notably rock and soul.
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Even in death, his influence is still being felt and it’s bringing in revenue for his family.
According to Forbes magazine, the Marley brand raked in $23m (N8.2bn) in earnings in 2017, making Bob Marley the fifth top-earning dead celebrity.
As the world remembers his life on Friday, tributes have been pouring in for him.
See some from the social media:
Bob Marley died a day like today in 1981, one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. He was 36. #BobMarley pic.twitter.com/bz36CaDjUf
— Lemonbeats (@LemonbeatsCHNL) May 11, 2018
“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” ❤ #BobMarley #bobmarley pic.twitter.com/BfnmzlRZLL
— d o m i n i q u e 🌷 (@QUIRKIEBIRD_) May 11, 2018
Just taking some time out to appreciate how wonderful this album is ♥️💛💚 #BobMarley You left us 37 years ago today & it still breaks my heart 💔 #Legend xxx pic.twitter.com/K45alhCjsv
— Amanda 🐼 (@Holyrudegirl) May 11, 2018
It’s all about bob Marley today ❤️💛💚 #bobmarley pic.twitter.com/IUwyo34OOE
— Sistah_petty 🇧🇧🇯🇲 (@skinglo_afro) May 11, 2018
“Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I’m not perfect and I don’t live to be. But, before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean.” – #BobMarley
— Trey Harris (@HuskerVol) May 11, 2018
On this day, we lost the legendary #BobMarley. His music and message still lives on 🙌🏾🌹✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/gWm0iRix1R
— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) May 11, 2018
37yrs since yo death buh yo legacy still lives on. A minute silence 2 da king of raggae 👑 #BobMarley pic.twitter.com/ZXh1NyJBHW
— Nana Yaw (@NanaYaw83090787) May 11, 2018
“Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom?” The great Bob Marley was taken from us all too soon today in 1981. Rest in Power. #bobmarley pic.twitter.com/CwVUBr3wrP
— Radical Tea Towel Co (@radicalteatowel) May 11, 2018
A fervent and unapologetic Pan-Africanist, who strongly believed in African unity and his beliefs on Pan-Africanism were rooted in his Rastafari religious beliefs. I celebrate his legacy. Hail The King #BobMarley. 👑 👊✌️ pic.twitter.com/s1SJbRWxfX
— @ramseyaddison (@ramseyaddison) May 11, 2018
Peace and love to all Jah loving people. On this day of the passing of one of the greatest musicians of all time -RIP #BobMarley pic.twitter.com/vAWP2WhnvK
— Denyse Mbabazi (@denyse_mbabazi) May 11, 2018