Music
07.07.2010 / Ziggy Marley and Tidal Waves: Jammin’ in Soweto!
Reggae legend Bob Marley’s offspring – Ziggy, Rohan and Robbie Marley – are currently filming a documentary of their roadtrip through South Africa. They saw the first Soccer World Cup hosted on the African continent as the ideal opportunity for their mission.
In a recent interview with South African press, Ziggy Marley expressed his wish to play a free concert in Soweto. This idea concretised when Marley joined forces with South Africa’s beloved reggae/rock outfit, Tidal Waves, on Sunday 4 July, where a free concert was held at the Elkah Stadium (currently a Fifa Fan Fest) in Soweto.
A diverse audience came out on this cold winter day to celebrate not only the musical legacy of the Marley family, but to celebrate the beauty of Africa and the potential of its emerging economy. A large, painted banner at the back of the stage proclaimed: “African Unity = Economic Liberation.”
But politics were put aside as a peaceful atmosphere characterised the day. A sea of red, yellow and green gathered in front of the stage and added some colour to the grey weather. Many flags were waving high for Ghana - Africa's football heroes.
Ziggy Marley, who bears a striking resemblance to his father, mostly played his own music, including the powerful song “Love is my religion”. The crowd anticipated a few Bob Marley numbers, and Ziggy didn’t let them down. It was almost surreal when he played “I shot the sheriff”, “Jammin’”, “Get up, stand up” and “Africa Unite!” – especially as this was alongside our very own Tidal Waves, who were his backing band. It would have been all the sweeter if he had collaborated with Tidal Waves on some of their own original songs too (view their music video for the song "Rapolotiki" here).
Ziggy Marley bowed out with “Africa Unite!” – which was the main message of the event. Ziggy commented from the stage, “the world needs Africa. Don’t let them fool you. Africa is the future of the world. Look at the lions, they’re unifying; look at the elephants, they’re unifying [...] We’re igniting the fire of African unity.” // End
Above: Roadtripping through South Africa: The Marley brothers' Reggae Land Cruiser
Tags: Reggae, Tidal Waves, African