Everyone knows and loves the Jamaican reggae singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Bob Marley. His songs have been labeled “the songs of summer” by people on social media and he has influenced the music industry in so many ways. He is considered one of the pioneers of the genre. Marley fused elements of reggae, ska, and rocksteady in his music and was renowned for his distinctive vocal and songwriting style. In June of 2018, Paramount Pictures announced they were in development for a biographical drama film based on the life of Bob Marley, with Marley’s son Ziggy Marley serving as a producer. The film was released in February 2024 with Kingsley Ben-Adir starring as Bob Marley. \

Bob Marley: One Love follows the life of the singer/songwriter, from his rise to fame in the mid-1970s up until his death in 1981. The performance by Ben Kingsley-Adir, the British actor known for One Night in Miami… and Barbie, is what people are raving about. He has the perfect voice. His Marley has the growl and lilt of the singer’s resonant Jamaican accent. But what the performance is missing is the physical dynamism and charismatic velocity of Marley. 

 “I was introduced to Bob Marley from his grandson’s hit single “Praise Jah in the Moonlight.” As a new fan, I have been getting into Bob Marley’s originals.” Lily Snyder, a senior at Ramapo, says, “Some of my favorites are “Is This Love” and “Three Little Birds.” Snyder also commented on how Marley reminds her of warm weather and that his music melts every worry away from her. “I think Bob Marley has definitely influenced bringing peace and relaxation back in the music industry rather than fast-paced pop.”

As of March 25, 2024, Bob Marley: One Love has grossed $95.4 million in the United States and Canada and $78.1 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $173.5 million. The popularity of this film has skyrocketed as people run to the box office. 

“I am looking forward to it. It seems a long time in the making considering Marley died back in 1981 and his influence on culture and music is astounding. I hope the movie is able to show us the genius of his art and his real-life circumstances,” Mrs. Loccke stated. 

Bob Marley’s music continues to influence the lives of many, and his popularity grows as his story and his life grow. 

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt8521778/ 

https://deadline.com/2024/02/bob-marley-one-love-story-behind-movie-reggae-legend-1235827144/amp/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/14/movies/bob-marley-one-love-review.html