By CHRISTINE MWAABA –

HE was a distinctive songwriter and his music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide till this day.
The late reggae icon Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley) continues to be the most famous reggae legend whose Caribbean pride and influence is still being felt by some people.
He is considered as one of the most influential musicians of all time and credited with popularising reggae music around the world, as well as serving as a symbol of Jamaican culture and identity.
It is with this background that despite his death, the reggae music superstar left an indelible imprint which cannot be erased.
He is part of the collective consciousness of peace and unity that collectively draws together people from all walks of life.
Zambia is one of the countries which celebrate Bob Marley’s outstanding strength in where he promoted freedom, peace, reconciliation and equal rights for all.
Hola Mount Entertainment is set to celebrate Marley’s movement at Mount Zion in Lusaka West.
The show scheduled to take place on May 7th, 2016 is also being used to encourage Zambians to uphold peace during this year’s general elections.
One of the organisers Stiljah Siankuku said the concert is simply a music indaba that is supporting a violent free election.
“Zambia is a peaceful nation. We want the same peace that Bob Marley fought for. That is the peace we want our politicians to have,” he said.
It is because of his peaceful music that Marley brought two warring political leaders on one stage to shake hands.
Prime Minister Michael Manley and the leader of the opposition political party at the time, Edward Seaga, shook hands in front of the audience.
Entertaining the audience at the event would be the energetic Burning Youth, the Temple Psalmist, Zion, to mention but a few.
The show will also be accompanied by an exhibition of various art crafts, Rastafarian regalia and bead works.
Nicolous Eitiken, who is also part of the organisers, said use of drugs at the event will not be allowed.
He appealed to spectators interested in attending the show to refrain from all illegal drug use.
“We will not allow anyone with drugs and if anyone would be found with drugs, such a person will face the law,” he said.
The memorial concert for the music superstar who died in 1981 at the age of 36 will mark the 35th year since the demise of Marley.
Because of him, dancehall reggae has eventually earned global acceptance and popularity.
Marley also inspired many artists to depict and offer social commentary within their lyrics and songs.
He established a worldwide reputation and raised his status as one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time.
The singer of No Woman No Cry, Exodus, Redemption Song and One Love expressed his strong support for African struggles.
Marley’s music was a result of what he saw in his life, what he felt, and what he saw as the treatment of his people.
As a result of his commitment to peace and love, Marley was honoured with the United Nations (UN) medal of peace during the One Love peace
concert in 1978.
He could be dead. But his music and the legend will live on.