Kenya & Ethiopia, 1978
Bob Marley's first trip to Africa was in December of 1978. Here, we see Bob with Skill Cole and others arriving in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Here, Rita and Bob visited the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Bob Marley with Ethiopian fans in Kenya (1978-11)Bob Marley: Legend
Shashamane
Part of this included a stay in Shashamane, Ethiopia. As a Rastafarian, Bob believed that Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. As such, Selassie designated the town of Shashamane as a settlement for Rasta expats. Here, Bob with members of the Twelve Tribes.
Writing for Survival
During this trip, Bob wrote a handful of songs that would make their way onto 1979's Survival album. This included "Zimbabwe," a song that inspired a nation's rebel soldiers to gain their Independence in 1980.
Gabon, 1979 & 1980
Late 1979, Bob was invited to perform in Gabon by the royal family. He played two shows at the Gymnase Omnisport Bongo in Libreville on January 4 and 6, 1980.
Bob Marley with some fans in Gabon (1980-01)Bob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley at the Omar Bongo Stadium, Libreville (1980-01-05)Bob Marley: Legend
Kenya, 1980
On the way to Zimbabwe for a very special celebration, Bob briefly stopped in Nairobi on April 16th, 1980. Here, the local Daily Nation newspaper's original article about Bob's impending arrival.
Zimbabwe Independence, 1980
Bob's song "Zimbabwe" was credited as the rebel chant that inspired the soldiers to keep on fighting for (and win) their independence. For their first independence celebrations, they invited him to perform at the event.
Bob Marley and the Wailers visit the the president of Zimbabwe. (1980-04-15)Bob Marley: Legend
Meeting the Government
On their arrival, the band and crew were treated to a welcoming ceremony by a small group of soldiers, and Zimbabwe's President Canaan Banana and his family.
Bob Marley in Zimbabwe (1980-04-16) by Neville GarrickBob Marley: Legend
Putting On The Show
As a new nation, the government was ill equipped–both financially and logistically–to host the kind of performance the band usually put on for their fans. So Bob chartered two planes from London, rented all the sound and lighting equipment they needed, and paid the band all on his own dime. In doing so, he became the de facto "producer" of the entertainment portion of the evening.
Bob Marley with Ziggy and Stephen in Zimbabwe (1980-04-15)Bob Marley: Legend
Ziggy and Stephen Marley
Given the cultural and historical importance of the event, and the family's attachment to its legacy, Marley brought sons Ziggy (left, 11) and Stephen (right, 8) along for the journey.
Poster for Zimbabwe Concert by Bob Marley (1980-04-17)Bob Marley: Legend
Viva Zimbabwe
On April 18, 1980, Bob performed at Rufaro Stadium in Harare. The problem was, the stadium only held about 60,000 people. Another 90,000 or so were at the gates, hoping to be let in. During their set, people starting ripping down the gates and tear gas was dispersed into the crowd, effecting Bob, the band, as well as Ziggy and Stephen.
Bob Marley live in Zimbabwe (1980-04-17)Bob Marley: Legend
To calm tensions, Bob and the band agreed to do a free show to the public at the arena the following night.
Bob Marley performing at the Independence celebrations Zimbabwe (1980-04-17)Bob Marley: Legend
Watch some amazing ceremonial and performance footage from the actual events in this video.
“It was of the best I ever enjoyed. Really meeting the people that fought in the war... One general say to me say, 'Are you really going back to Jamaica? This is Africa, you are home, stay in Africa!' That was the best invitation you could get. Man who fight for the land tell you stay it’s your home. Him risk his life, him was fighting. Plenty people shoot after him and him still live. Come tell me stay. In Zimbabwe. It’s the best.” - Bob Marley
