Events
NANA RITA MARLEY SENDS OUT CLARION CALL TO CULTURAL ACTIVISTS ACROSS AFRICA
Nana Rita Marley, wife of honour rebel Robert Nesta Marley, is calling on cultural activists across Africa to unify in celebratory creative force for the advancement of the continent. Mrs Marley arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia last week to oversee large-scale preparations for the upcoming AFRICA UNITE commemorative Bob Marley 60th Anniversary events planned for the first week of February 2005.
“Bob’s vision for a united progressive Africa will be powerfully enforced
through the various events. The world is invited to join us in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Government and other partners are working together in a
committed effort to ensure that Bob’s birthday will be celebrated in fine
style”, said Mrs Marley.
“Africa is Bob’s spiritual home and so solidarity amongst other cultural
activists across the continent is important to his family. We are aware of
the socio-economic challenges and know that many people will be celebrating
with us in spirit as they cannot come to Ethiopia in person. So, I
encourage cultural groups and civil society leaders to set up local
activities and join us symbolically as we honour Bob’s spirit”, she
continued.
A host of Bob Marley fans and media from across the world are expected to
gather in Ethiopia next month.
The month long series of events kick off on1 February and include
photographic and visual art exhibitions, book launches, the birthday
concert featuring the Marley family, other performing artists and a three
day symposium.
The three day symposium will focus on key themes common to Marley’s music –
the unification of Africa, the abolition of abuse and discrimination
against women and call to action to the youth for liberation through
education and knowledge of self.
Guest speakers from across the globe will contribute presentations at the
symposium and a strong contingent of youth from across Africa and the
Diaspora will play a key role in the discourse.
The month-long commemorative events are hosted by the Bob Marley and Rita
Marley Foundations which identify and support NGOs in Jamaica, Ethiopia and
the USA.
“The global media lens will be on Ethiopia during these events. We want to
negate the impoverished dependent and hopeless images of Africa that are
beamed around the world every day. I look forward to seeing sister events
organised by cultural leaders across Africa which represent
self-determination and honours the strength and tenacity of its people”,
stated Mrs Marley.
Partners endorsing and supporting the AFRICA UNITE event include, the
African Union, the World Bank, UNICEF, UNECA, World Space, Ethiopia Tourism
Commission, City Government of Addis Ababa, Sheraton Addis and Ethiopian
Airlines.
ENDS
Media contact:
Africa: Dianne Regisford –