Two universally revered elements, football and international reggae icon Bob Marley’s name, will take centre stage on Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2015) at the Bob Marley One Love fun day football matches.
It is scheduled for the Harbour View Mini Stadium. Start time is 4 p.m.
Organiser Clive ‘Busy’ Campbell is expecting this year to be one of their grandest events, as it falls in Marley’s birth month, for the first time.
Robert Nesta Marley was an international Jamaican reggae singer and musician who soared to international acclaim with scores of multimillion-dollar-selling singles and albums.
Marley was also known for his love of football and, after the legend’s passing in 1981, Campbell organised the Bob Marley One Love fun day football matches a year later.
“Bob Marley used to love football. He wasn’t a great player, but he used to train with us, as we (Clive ‘Busy’ Campbell and Alan ‘Skill’ Cole) used to play for Santos,” Campbell said.
“He loved the game, and when Bob passed away I said this is one way I can show respect and honour to this prophet,” Campbell told The Gleaner at yesterday’s press launch, held at Cuddy’z Restaurant in New Kingston.
The iconic Marley rose from humble origins, having been born at Nine Miles, St Ann, on February 6, 1945.
That fame grew much later though, via inspirational and endearing reggae music which touched the world, from inner-city areas like Trench Town, which later became his home.
Campbell explained that Marley’s prophetic songs gave him strength to continue honouring his memories by way of the football, for the 34 years.
“Ash Wednesday should be remembered as Bob Marley Day,” Campbell assessed, adding that he is expecting a good turnout.
Campbell credited main sponsors Bob Marley Foundation and Digicel, among others, for being on board.
Alicia Williams, the advertising executive of the Bob Marley Foundation, credited the event organisers for preserving Marley’s legacy through football.
“Everybody knows that Bob Marley loved football. Football is a good sport to align the Marley brand with,” she noted.
34-Year Long Event
Digicel’s Benjamin Simms, advertising executive, said: “Digicel has been partnering with ‘Busy’ Campbell to put on this event for the past five years. We applaud the organisers for staying true to Bob Marley’s ethos of living for the people with this 34-year long event, which continues to give back to communities year after year.”
He added: “As such, in support of the proceeds of the Bob Marley One Love football matches going towards the Albert Street, Portsmouth and Ferry Basic Schools, Digicel has committed a total of 1,500 Bob Marley exercise books, in addition to our overall sponsorship of the event.”
Entertainers: Sizzla, I-Octane, Wayne Marshall, No-Maddz, Aidonia, Tony Curtis, Lukie D, Ibomars and Wickaman are scheduled to play, while former national football heroes Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner and Walter ‘Blacka’ Boyd will also feature.
Other football stars to feature include: Jermaine Hue, Hector Wright and Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis.
This year will see: Entertainers’ Invitational, Masters and Cele-brities, Tuff Gong Invitational and Referees face off for the Bob Marley One Love Trophy.
Admission is $200 for adults, $100 for children. Kids under 12 will enter free.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner