Every year February 6th is the birthday of reggae legend Robert Nesta Marley known by his millions of fans is as Bob Marley.
Marley wasn’t only known for his great music skills that bought reggae music to global recognition, but was instead respected for his work as one of the world’s greatest Human rights activist.
For reggae lovers and Bob Marley fans there is a sense of celebration across the streets of Rwanda, from the buses cruising the township as well as shops, homes and local pubs and restaurants from Kabuga to Nyamirambo there is reggae music blaring through streets and opened windows.
Walking through Kigali city streets towards Muhima district where I was on my way to interview some of ‘One Love’ employees and alongside some visitors, I decided to ask a few around what this day meant to them.
“It’s a day of love and peace, we are all supposed to help one another and have a good time” said one of the shopkeepers of a local boutique.
Various responces to my incquest seemed pretty similar to the first one. The spirit of Bob Marley songs has actually lived on. Several people I interacted with say Bob Marley is a hero and fought war with love, and that is why he is a great symbol of peace.
Others said they think this day is for people that love reggae to have fun. As I reached my destination I found that to some this day means much more.
The workshop for handicap people formally known as ‘One Love’ located at Muhima. This is a popular place for reggae lovers. A bonfire will be held at this place in memory of the late Bob Marley’s birthday. The bonfire holds great significance.
Great reggae music will be played at the bonfire. It’s a place where people of all races can converge and sit close together and communicate– this is the essence of what Bob’s message was all about.
The workshop bonfire also allows people get involved in a great way to help the handicapped children of Rwanda. Also the center welcomes volunteers willing to help fulfill the essential needs of the handicapped that aren’t able to buy prosthetics for themselves.
Tonight there will be music, food and dancing in the gardens as well as indoors and the gardens small but cozy stage room. The bonfire will be in the center of it all where chairs will be placed surrounding it where anyone can sit and enjoy the warmth of the fire while enjoying the cool breeze and the sweet sounds of the voices of various artists that will be singing renditions of Bob Marley’s songs.
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