Students Take Part In Symposium On Life And Music Of Bob Marley

A symposium was held yesterday (February 2) at the Jose Marti Technical High School in St. Catherine to celebrate the life and music of reggae icon, Hon. Robert ‘Bob’ Nesta Marley, who was born on February 6, 1945.
Students from Jose Marti and neighbouring schools in the parish took part in the event, the first in a series of symposiums to be held during Bob Marley Week.
A mini photographic exhibition depicting the work and various moods of the reggae star, was also on display.The symposium was staged by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) under the theme: ‘Hit me with music – the use of music to make positive change.’
During the week, other symposiums are scheduled to be held at the Social Development Commission (SDC) complex in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth and at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall in Trelawny under the theme – ‘The relevance of Marley’s music in a changing world’; and at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, and Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, St. James under the theme: ‘Bob Marley’s music and globalisation’.
Co-ordinator of events and commemorations at the JCDC, Hopeton Murray told JIS News that the celebration of Bob Marley Week was an opportunity for students to interpret the music and work of the reggae artiste as well as to heighten their awareness of the effect of his music on Jamaica’s culture. He added that students must be exposed not only to Bob Marley’s music, but also to the message in his music.
“It is one of positiveness and this is what we aim for and this is what we are trying to deliver in the week of celebration,” Mr. Murray said. He said the symposiums were aimed at encouraging young musicians in schools and tertiary institutions.
There were also songs and dances in tribute to Bob Marley, performed by students of Bridgeport, Eltham, Charlemont, Waterford and St. Jago High Schools.Bob Marley died on May 11, 1981 and was buried at Nine Miles in the parish of St. Ann.