A premier crew of New Zealand singers and musician will get up and stand up in tribute to the persevering legacy of reggae trailblazer, Bob Marley.
'Marley: Celebrate The Legend' is a concert spectacular that faithfully performs the much-loved music of the late Bob Marley.
The show features The NZ All-Stars led by legend in his own right, Tiki Taane. “Bob Marley has always been a huge influence on my life and my writing career and music through his messages – his political messages and social messages.
"Basically he's a musical rebel and I love that about him, so I've always been inspired by that,” Tiki says.
“There's no egos; it's all about Bob Marley.”
Bob Marley is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, not only popularising the reggae style and associated Rastafarian movement, but also providing an extensive wealth of politically and socially relevant music that has served as vital inspiration for the generations that have followed.
“One of my favourite songs of his has always been 'Get Up, Stand Up',” Tiki says.
“That's something that I always revert back to because I'm really inspired by how you can tackle the problems going on – whether they be social, political, environmental or spiritual – and put them into music. Whether it be something as powerful as 'Get Up, Stand Up' or something as beautiful as 'No Woman No Cry'.”
The NZ All-Stars includes Annie Crummer, Che Fu, Joel Shadbolt and Grenville Bell (ex Katchafire) among a full line-up of New Zealand's finest performers.
Tiki says the show has also been a good opportunity for everyone on the bill to catch-up and bond over their shared passion for the man they lovingly refer to as 'Uncle Bob'. “For me to be involved with this was a no-brainer and especially with all the other amazing artists who are on board as well,” he says.
“We all know each other and this is a really good way for all of us who really are inspired by Bob Marley and his legacy to come together and perform his music for people who are really inspired by him as well.”
Already on tour in New Zealand, 'Marley: Celebrate The Legend' will make its way across The Ditch with the complete All-Stars ensemble in tow for an Australian tour in December and Tiki assures even the most loyal Marley fanatics won't be disappointed. “It's a great show,” he says.
“It's two hours of non-stop music, we all take turns taking lead vocals and playing instruments. It's just a big party really and it's amazing when you put his music into a context like that, just how diverse he is and all the messages that are in there.
"Everyone walks away uplifted, inspired and feeling the love so we are just super-excited.
“It's really cool to be able to come together to celebrate the legacy that is Bob Marley. There's no egos; it's all about Bob Marley, it's all about elevating each other, his music, his legacy and trying to do him proud.”
