Commemoration of Bob Marley-- A Legend and A Revolutionary...

Inspiration can come at you any time, from anywhere and from anyone. It often happens when you're not looking. It can come at you with full force or lay dormant, planting a seed, quietly nourishing until the moment is right for an evolution in you to take place. When it does strike a chord, it can change your ideas, uplift your creativity and give you a new periscope on life. For me, that is Bob Marley. As long as I remember, I've always enjoyed reggae's hypnotic beats and Marley's ingenious lyrics to time-honoured classics seem to roll off my tongue. I never gave him too much thought until artwork inspired me to know his full life story. My artist pal Alvin @alvincustomportrait converts digital images into acrylic paintings on canvas and Marley is a subject favourite. It propelled me to watch Marley documentaries, really listen to the meanings behind his music, read his words of wisdom and tap into his Rastafari religion. Learning what I have, I can't begin to express how much I adore this great honourable man. He was wise beyond his years having struggled to belong growing up in Trenchtown hardship being born part black and part white. When he spoke, even in dark moments, it was like verses in a poem that made every sentence a song. Marley was not only a world ambassador for reggae music but it was said he proudly represented the ghetto people. He was seen as a prophet, a philosopher, a humanitarian and a revolutionary. He didn't just write music, he lived and witnessed his lyrics and he sung about thought-provoking issues and political injustices. He shared his wealth to help poor fellow Jamaicans and when he sadly passed, he took away that lifeline to many with him.

I bought Alvin's earlier awesome piece of Marley. Not only was l drawn to the earthy rustic colours but this to me represented passion. Inspired by a rare photo taken during one of his last photoshoots, Marley's famous quote, "Love the life you live. Live the life you love" resonates so deeply in this image. Here he was smoking his beloved herb and behind was a hanging picture of African art (a country where he wanted to live, roam free and to grow old). Two things he very much loved in his life. Africa was not only a dream; it symbolized a place where the black man could live in dignity and prosperity. 

Alvin Custom Portrait

I relate to Marley with my own revolution fight for good food and food education for all, along with Food Revolution global ambassadors. Marley didn't have a big ambition. He always said, "Me only have one ambition, y'know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together - black, white, Chinese, everyone - that's all." For me, I feel the same with my hope and vision for the present and the future. When it comes to food, that access to good, fresh, nutritious food is every human right no matter your background, race, religion and status. With better food education, people can make better choices with what is available to them, wherever they are in the world. That everyone from around the world-- individuals, parents, policymakers, communities and businesses – come together to make solutions that will be sustainable for generations to come. That is my hope. One Love!

Today commemorates Marley's 36th death anniversary and this post is dedicated to him. He would have been 72. His larger-than-life-and-beyond persona continue to live on in his words and music. He is still here to uplift us all and encourages everyone, "don't worry about a thing. Everything, is going to be alright." In this crazy upside-down world we live in, we need Marley, his philosophy, his spirit, his music now more than ever. May you rest in peace! 💞

Alvin Custom Portrait

I wish things would change without hurt. I wish righteousness would reign forever. Let righteousness cover the earth like the water cover the sea.- Bob Marley

You see me here? The first thing you must know about me is that I always stand for what I stand for. The second thing you must know about yourself listening to me is that words are very tricky. So when you know what me stand for, when me explain a thing to you, you must never try to look upon it in a different way than what me stand for. - Bob Marley 

A gift from the artist... Thank you!

Alvin Custom Portrait

I just returned from vacation in Mexico, and my heart is already jet set on Jamaica :D

Excited my post landed on What's Good Network (WGN)- a radio station and entertainment site in Kenya, Nairobi featuring arts, events and music. My friend and events promoter Embukane Vincent Libosso authored the intro and published: Over to You – Commemoration of Bob Marley: A Legend and A Revolutionary… Thank you! :D