Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley

The Most Honorable Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley is an international hero and icon born in 1945 on the island of Jamaica, West Indies. Marley’s Pan-Africanist ideology promoting the unification of the Motherland and Africans throughout the Diaspora can be traced to the early philosophies of his fellow countryman and Pan-Africanist predecessor Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Marley was a prominent and influential figure in calling for the decolonization of all nations during the 1960s and 1970s. Through his lyrics such as “Getup, Standup” (1973), “Africa Unite” (1979), and “Zimbabwe (1979),” Marley addressed the perpetual struggle for the liberation of the Motherland and the Diaspora from European colonial powers and American neocolonialism during the post-World War II period. Marley’s music was a catalyst for the modern Pan-Africanist Movement, empowering brothers and sisters of the Motherland and the Diaspora to “stand up for their rights.” The overarching message of Marley’s music and fundamental beliefs are grounded in the rebirth and reinvigoration of African pride and culture. Using Pan-Africanist Theory and Methodology, this chapter analyzes a sample of Marley’s lyrics in order to delineate ways that can be employed to help build a new Africa.