Bob Marley Day: COSON, admirers praise the legend’s continuing impact

On May 11, people commemorate Bob Marley Day in remembrance of the late reggae singer, guitarist, and songwriter who was regarded as one of the genre’s pioneers.

The late Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley made significant contributions to the expansion of the worldwide entertainment sector, which were honored on Sunday by the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON). 

In a Lagos interview, Chief Tony Okoroji, the Chairman of COSON, made this statement in honor of Saturday’s “Bob Marley Day.”Bob Marley, who was well-known for his unique voice and compositional style, combined elements of rocksteady, ska, and reggae in his music.

On June 11, 1981, he died.

The late Bob Marley was hailed by Okoroji as an extraordinarily talented artist.

The late reggae legend, according to him, had a wonderful songwriting approach that makes his music relevant to everyone even forty-three years after his passing.

He claimed that Bob Marley frequently composed exquisite poetic substance.

He exhorted young musicians in Nigeria to follow in his footsteps, saying that his music inspired and taught moral lessons. 
“Bob Marley was an incredibly outstanding artiste whose music still resonate with us.

“People are not tired of celebrating his music. This is because each of his songs touch on unique subject matter and the songs affect people differently.

“He was one of the great artistes of our generation.

“The upcoming musicians should aspire to his admirable qualities as a musician,” he declared.

Several of the late artist’s admirers praised his influence on reggae music, culture, and identity in different interviews.

Music producer Mr. Ayodele Badejo stated that Bob Marley’s songs had a strong impact on listeners because of their potency.

“All his songs had powerful messages which in turn impacted the listeners but the unique thing about this is that it wasn’t just about his music but also his rebellious character.

“His lyrics and the passion in which he performed were specifically influential and to many of those who listened to him, his words reminded them of the ‘Gospel,” he said.

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Mr. Richard Elliot, a different fan, counseled Nigerian musicians to utilize their music to inspire their listeners.

He believes that songs have a profound effect on their listeners and cannot be emphasized.

Mr. Ebuka Ameobi added that the singer’s songs served as a voice for the marginalized and oppressed members of society.

“Bob Marley used his voice and song to speak up for the poor, the abused, the underprivileged and all these are groups who represent vast sections of the global society which do not have a voice.

“He was there to speak for them, protest for them and carry their pains in his songs,” he said.
According to Mr. Folabi Ogundipe, the artist used his songs to influence his listeners.

“He was awesome because he was a leader and not just a singer or an artist and it is important to note that the critical component of any leader is his ability to influence the audiences.

“His songs are very educative, constructive and most importantly, it promotes unity amongst everyone which makes his songs to have a lasting impact despite his demise several years ago,” he said.

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