One Love- The Cultural Diplomacy of Music

The recent biopic titled “Bob Marley: One Love" offers a truly interesting concept of peacebuilding. The movie explores the life and legacy of reggae legend, Bob Marley. The story takes place during Jamaica’s Civil war, which came as a consequence to the end of British colonialism. This article will delve into Bob Marley’s Journey as a musician, his call to action as a peacemaker, while shedding light on how his music, coupled with his humble personality and vocation to peace, led to the successful advocacy of social harmony and justice.

Marley’s Message of Peace and Love Marley’s music exceeded the realm of reggae and soul music. It was his call to action. That call to action is prominent through songs such as “One Love,” “Get Up, Stand Up,” and “War” that has echoed his values in universal love and resistance to oppression. Bob Marley addressed issues of racism, corruption, social inequality, and human rights, resonating with marginalized communities across the globe. In fact, the song “No woman, no cry” actually signifies how society judges a woman’s feelings of frustration then asks her Not To cry. This, alongside several other songs, became anthems for peace, encouraging listeners to unite and stand against injustice.

A milestone in Marley’s peacebuilding initiative, the 1978 One Love Peace Concert took place amidst political instability and violence in Jamaica, where Bob Marley brought together the two opposing leaders, Michael Manley, and Edward Seaga on stage. In a symbolic act of unity, Bob Marley grabbed their hands and joined them together, showing that music is a tool for peace transcending political divides. The concert not only aimed to quell the political violence but also inspired hope and solidarity among the Jamaican people. It is important to mention that Marley’s band was shot earlier from that concert, where his wife Rita suffered from a bullet injury to her head, which was miraculously saved from her dreadlocks not to mention that most of his entourage was frightened that the shooting might reoccur during the concert.

The 1978 One Love Peace Concert

The 1978 One Love Peace Concert took place amidst political instability and violence in Jamaica, where Bob Marley brought together the two opposing leaders, Michael Manley, and Edward Seaga on stage. In a symbolic act of unity, Bob Marley grabbed their hands and joined them together, showing that music is a tool for peace transcending political divides. The concert not only aimed to quell the political violence but also inspired hope and solidarity among the Jamaican people. It is important to mention that Marley’s band was shot earlier from that concert, where his wife Rita suffered from a bullet injury to her head, which was miraculously saved from her dreadlocks not to mention that most of his entourage was frightened that the shooting might reoccur during the concert.

Musical Advocacy

Marley's commitment to peace extended beyond grand gestures it was embedded in his everyday life and music. His song "War," based on a speech by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, articulated his vision for a world free of racial discrimination and conflict. By weaving messages of peace and resistance into his lyrics, Marley provided a voice for the oppressed and mobilized his audience towards a collective pursuit of justice.

Legacy and Inspiration

One Love not only celebrates Marley’s Musical genius but highlights the crucial role of cultural diplomacy. As a graduate of international relations, it truly astonishes me how one person, who decided to stay humble and focus on his vocation to peace, which has inspired his children, as well as many generations to empower themselves using art as a peacebuilding tool.