BEIJING – Bob Marley Day 2016 was held on February 6th in commemoration of Marley’s birthday. Having arrived in Beijing just days before, the Jamaican Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Her Excellency Mrs. Fay Pickersgill, was on hand to officially launch “Bob Marley Day 2016”.
“Bob Marley’s influence is timeless and boundless!” said an excited Pickersgill. “It is timeless because it is now 35 years since his death and he was only 36 years old when he died, yet his memory continues to live in the hearts and minds of thousands across the globe. It is boundless because he is celebrated in just about every country in the world. I am delighted to know that the spirit of one of Jamaica’s greatest legends has not been forgotten, but is instead treasured and revered.”
The impact of his music was visible in the audience, with persons hailing from China, Ethiopia, Zambia, Burundi, Finland, USA, and Hungary, just to name a few.
Participants were treated to a live performance by the One Drop Band as members gave their rendition of some of Marley’s biggest hits including: One Love, Could You Be Loved, Trench Town Rock, One Drop, I Shot the Sherriff, So Much Things to Say, Ride Natty Ride, Is This Love, Pimper’s Paradise, Burning and Looting.
Established in 2012, One Drop is a Reggae Band that plays a variety of Roots and Lovers Rock Reggae while promoting a greater appreciation of the genre in China and Asia at large. Lead guitarist, Parat Alimjam was born and raised in the autonomous region of Xinjiang Uygur in China and is a staunch lover of Reggae
“Reggae is about real life. The lyrics are inspiring, the groove, the beat it’s more about humanity and peace in this crazy world. The things Bob Marley sang about, whether 35 years ago or now, the lyrics are applicable in today’s society,” said a passionate Alimjam.
Samuel Ahadu, one of the main promoters of the February 6th event, has been instrumental in promoting “Bob Marley Day” in China for the past 16 years.
“Jamaica is a small place in terms of population and size. For example, I am from Ethiopia and we have over 90 million people, so my city, Addis Ababa, which is the political capital of Africa, has more than five million. So Jamaica is a small place. But in terms of culture, Jamaica is definitely a superpower just like China the US and Russia are superpowers. In terms of culture, music, sports and the cultural impact in the world, Jamaica is a heavyweight!” remarked Ahadu.
Ambassador Pickersgill wasted no time in beginning her official duties immediately and was pleased to participate in the launch of Bob Marley Day.
“I am willing to assist in any way possible to promote Jamaica. I was amazed that the people involved in promoting Bob Marley in Beijing were not even from Jamaica. We have cultural ambassadors from all over the world and this really is heartwarming. There are so many opportunities between our two countries and I am committed to being a part of that process by strengthening and deepening Jamaica’s relationship with China, politically, economically and culturally,” noted Her Excellency.
Since 2008, Ambassador Pickersgill served as the President of the Jamaica-China Friendship Association and was also a council member for the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Mona, and the International University of the Caribbean. Prior to assuming the role of Ambassador, Her Excellency was the longest serving Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board. In recognition of her phenomenal contribution to the Jamaican tourism sector, she was conferred with a national honour – the Order of Distinction (Commander Class).
