Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley is being celebrated in a new movie titled 'Bob Marley, One Love,' which was produced by his eldest son, Ziggy Marley. The film delves into the life of Bob Marley, revealing lesser-known aspects of his personality and shedding light on the emotional and psychological journey he navigated as a human being, alongside his musical achievements.
Unlike the 500 existing books about the reggae legend, this movie aims to provide a deeper understanding of Bob Marley as a person. Ziggy Marley expressed the family's desire to show the world the emotional and vulnerable side of his father, going beyond the external image most people associate with the artist. The goal was to explore the interior of Bob Marley and reveal aspects of his character that were not commonly known.
The movie does not shy away from portraying the complexities of Bob Marley. It explores his anger, infidelity, and the hardships he faced. Ziggy Marley emphasized that the family was not afraid of showcasing the truth about his father, as Bob Marley himself was an open book who lived his life authentically. Despite his reputation for promoting peace, it is revealed that Bob Marley had an 'edge' due to his upbringing in the streets of Kingston.
The role of Bob Marley in the movie is played by award-winning actor Kingsley Ben-Adir. Although he did not possess the musical talents or abilities that Bob Marley had, Ben-Adir immersed himself in the role by learning to play the guitar and emulating the singer's distinctive voice and dialect. The actor committed himself to capturing Bob Marley's spirit and vulnerability, understanding that the audience's connection with any character stems from their humanness.
Ziggy Marley, who also appears in the movie, shared his special memories of his father. One significant recollection was a trip to Zimbabwe where they witnessed the impact of Bob Marley's music on the fight for freedom from colonial powers. The experience highlighted the powerful and motivating nature of music.
Despite initial skepticism, Kingsley Ben-Adir's portrayal of Bob Marley garnered acceptance and approval from both the Marley family
