Few musicians can claim the title of king. Even fewer can measure up to the king of reggae, Bob Marley.
Born Robert Nesta Marley, he would be 80 this year if he were still alive. But despite his death exactly 44 years ago on May 11, 1981, Bob Marley lives on through his music, and is still beloved by many worldwide.
Reggae fans around the world believe that true, original reggae music came from one man. His music was considered a classic benchmark, regarded by many as the finest the genre has ever produced.
Although he passed away at the prime of his career at just 36 years old, no artiste has since come close to matching the quality of his compositions, technical arrangements, and musical flow, more than four decades after his death.
His stage performances, technical artistry, and competitive spirit were unmatched.
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Marley’s lyrical choices resonated deeply during an era marked by the global fight against apartheid, racial segregation, and discrimination.
While other reggae artists existed at the time, Marley’s approach to music consistently stood above the rest.
Those who followed in his footsteps have never quite reached the level of expertise and musical prowess he exhibited in his compositions, live performances, and instrumental arrangements.
His songs carried powerful moral messages, beautifully delivered through sweet, melodic rhythms, during what turned out to be a tragically short music career.
It is widely believed that Marley popularised the dreadlocks hairstyle within the reggae world, a look that has since become a global symbol of the genre and its culture.
His songs remain timeless. Even covers by other artists have struggled to match the original recordings’ magic.
Artists who attempted to walk in his shoes ultimately fell short, as Marley’s fans remain deeply connected to his authentic sound.
Whether compared to blues or funk, Bob Marley’s reggae music endures. His songs are danceable, educational, and entertaining.
Other legendary reggae artistes include Peter Tosh (1944–1987), Toots and the Maytals, Dennis Brown (1957–1999), Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, Gregory Isaacs (1951–2010), and Bunny Wailer (1947–2021), most of whom have since passed away.
As the world commemorates the 44th anniversary of Marley’s passing, fans in Kenya are paying special tribute to the Jamaican-born icon—some even comparing his significance to that of Jesus Christ, believing he will remain irreplaceable forever.
In entertainment venues across Kenyan cities, Marley’s music dominates playlists, along with that of the late South African reggae star, Lucky Dube.
“When it comes to reggae, 80 per cent of my clients request Bob Marley’s music. They believe it’s the best and most authentic form of the genre,” said Thomas Mokaya, Executive Director of Vits Band.
Mokaya, a music expert, noted that entertainment venue owners prefer Marley’s music because it boosts their sales. He added that after Marley, Lucky Dube’s music resonates most with revelers in Nakuru.
“In fact, if Lucky Dube were to rise from the grave today, African fans would give him a hero’s welcome, second only to Marley,” said Mokaya, who has mentored many local artistes.
When asked about the likes of Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh, Mokaya acknowledged their contributions but said they do not command the same influence in today’s reggae market.
Kenya has had its own reggae talents, including the late Kelly Brown (who was based in Germany) and Them Mushrooms. However, they have yet to make a lasting impact on the reggae scene.
Contemporary Kenyan reggae artistes include Cathy Matete, Wyre, Gravitti Band, Nazizi & Wyre, Royalty by Black, and Natty King.
John Katana Harrison, bandleader of Them Mushrooms, recognises Marley’s unique talent.
“Bob Marley is undeniably the King of Reggae. His talent was God-given. His lyrics are powerful and beyond reproach. He sang not just to Jamaicans, but to the world—and that’s why he was, and still is, universally loved,” said Katana-Harrison.
He said when Them Mushrooms was founded in 1972, it started as a reggae group inspired by Marley and his band, The Wailers, before transitioning to the Chakacha genre.
“We were heavily influenced by Marley and The Wailers, which led us to produce many reggae tracks early in our journey,” he said.
Katana-Harrison cited Marley’s iconic songs that tackled apartheid and global injustice, including ‘Get Up’, ‘Stand Up’, ‘Zimbabwe’, and ‘No Woman, No Cry’ as personal favorites.
However, Binti Afrika, a 44-year-old Kenyan artiste, offered a different view. She acknowledges Marley’s influence but praises Peter Tosh as the true pillar of reggae.
“Bob was one of the kings of reggae, but Tosh was ahead of him in many ways. Still, I’m glad they worked together to elevate the genre,” she said.
Known to her fans as the Swahili Dub Queen, Binti Afrika sings primarily in Kiswahili.
“Kiswahili must be promoted through music—that’s why I perform in this language,” she said.