COVER STORY

Three Generations Of

Marley Women
A Legacy of One Love with Bob Marleys Wife, Daughter and Granddaughter
By Dwain Wellington Rattray

ROBERT BOB MARLEY FEB 6, 1945 - MAY 11, 1981

44 | Planet Africa Magazine | Volume 7 |Issue 1

Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life youre living? A sobering question plucked from the lyrics of The Honourable Robert Nesta Bob Marley. More than three decades after his passing, these words echo strongly throughout the spirit that is the Marley legacy. It is a tribute to the man and his music that the message of One Love shows no signs of losing momentum in the 21st century. Just as Bob Marleys mission was to effect social change, so is the mission of those who knew him and loved him. The message that is the personification of Rastafari, the message that was the ethos of Marley, lives on through the work of every subsequent Marley generation to date. The vision and seminal work of this icon, was the impetus for the presentation of the African Legend Award, honouring Bob Marley as part of the annual Planet Africa Awards Gala in Toronto. On behalf of the family, Sharon Marley, Bob Marleys daughter accepted the Planet Africa tribute with gratitude and trademark humility. Mrs. Rita Marley says that the 2011 African Legend Award presented to her family by Planet Africa, will be on perpetual display at the Bob Marley Museum, located in St. Andrew, Jamaica.

During a Planet Africa interview with, Marleys widow Rita Marley, their first child Sharon Marley, and granddaughter Donisha Prendergast, a glimpse is offered into their own living legacies. In a world where so many seek only personal gain and selfish satisfaction, these three generations of Marley women are a bastion of hope. By their deeds, it is clear that the revered reggae artist continues to stir people to action even in his physical absence. Through their eyes, captured by the lens of renowned Toronto photographer Michael Chambers, we see a single permeating emotion, love. Rita Marleys first love is music. It is this passion that led her to a man that would become her partner, her husband, her friend and inspiration. According to Mrs. Marley, meeting Bob was the work of God. It was a meeting with a purpose, with a simple smile, perhaps remembering, she shares that it was through the blessing and the gift of music that we were tied together. With the recording of her first single Opportunity, they began a journey together that has left an indelible mark on popular culture and on the world. In the early days of the Marley era, the music began providing the power to calm the negative energies that existed in Jamaica. It was used as a balm for the suffering and social injustices that many Jamaicans faced. Planet Africa Magazine | Volume 7 |Issue 1 | 45

A mere thirteen months before his death, Marley took his musical balm to the new nation of Zimbabwe, performing what is often called his most important single composition, Zimbabwe during the independence ceremony. The lyrics of the song, which were written as support of Freedom Fighters in what was then Rhodesia, are in part: Every mans got a right to decide his own destiny, And in this judgement there is no partiality. So arm in arms, with arms, well fight this little struggle, Cause thats the only way we can overcome our little trouble. The experience of the Zimbabwe performance planted the seed of a united Africa. Mrs. Marley says the memory of Zimbabwes new flag being hoisted brought the idea of how beautiful it would be, as Bob said, to see all Africa unite. This is the background of the organization fittingly named, Africa Unite. An annual celebration of Bob Marleys life and hopes of a united Africa, Africa Unite stands firm in terms of promoting Africa and its unification, says Mrs. Marley. It is pertinent to note, that Rita Marleys love for Africa is not new, nor is it hinged on the dreams of her late husband. It was my dream as a young girl to live in Africa, says Marley, and she has put those words into action. After a concert in Ghana, Mrs. Marley says she fell in love with the people and culture of Ghana. Now a resident of Ghana, Nana Rita as she is called, continues to enrich the lives of those around her in the spirit of love. Part of her aim is to give back to Africa. Through 1Love.org, the Marley matriarch partners with Charity Water, to take clean water into Uganda, Ethiopia, and as much of the African countries that we can help. She says Africa is like, a part of our journey that has to be fulfilled. Much of that fulfillment is facilitated through the Rita Marley foundation. The foundation seeks to ease the burden of hunger and poverty in developing nations, especially among youth and the elderly. Bestowed the honour of Queen Mother in Ghana, Mrs. Marley continues to be a matriarch to her adopted home. Through her foundation, several students have received music scholarships to Ghanas Berklee College of Music. It is Mrs. Marleys hope, that new musicians will become agents of change and create new material as part of the formula for a united Africa and a united world. Not constrained by borders, Mrs. Marley has adopted more that 30 children in Axum, Ethiopia; removing them from the street, putting them into schools, giving them clothing, food and shelter. Wherever she goes, Rita Marley takes a message of hope that is intrinsic to the Marley legacy. That enduring message is evident in the eldest of the Marley lineage, Sharon Marley. An attitude of peace and love exudes from her when she enters a room. As a member of the multiple Grammy Award winning group, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Sharon continued 46 | Planet Africa Magazine | Volume 7 |Issue 1

In a world where so many seek only personal gain and selfish satisfaction, these three generations of Marley women are a bastion of hope.

the hallowed tradition of healing through music. Though the group has since disbanded, she remains an advocate for bettering a people in any way that she can. Speaking with her, this almost shy woman shares her love for making things whole. Learned perhaps from being the responsible sibling, Sharons first instinct is to make sure that everyone gets what they need. This parental instinct stretches beyond family members or her four biological children. On the death of her father, Ms. Marley recalls that while, losing a parent is devastating, losing Bob Marley was a whole different thing. Though we were grieving as his children, we had to entertain the world, she continues. When the world lost the great entertainer, Sharon says, We were taking care of the world while they were grieving for our father; we still had to get out there and do shows. She points out that they are still grieving individually, and says, Even going up to get this award, (African Legend Award A Planet Africa Tribute) I felt myself getting emotional and teary eyed. That emotion itself is a tribute to the man who told his people, every little thing, is gonna be alright. Not unlike her parents, Sharons love is translated into nurturing children. The primary vehicle she chooses to use is education. Sharon Marley is Managing Director of the Total Care Learning Centre (TCLC) in St. Andrew, Jamaica, where learning is based on the Montessori method. Emphasis is placed on children discovering their individual environments, under the careful supervision and guidance of school staff. With lessons learned as the daughter of an inductee of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Sharon helps to shape the young minds of tomorrow. Bestowed the honour of Queen Mother in Ghana, Mrs. Marley continues to be a matriarch to her adopted home. Through her foundation, several students have received music scholarships to Ghanas Berklee College of Music. It is Mrs. Marleys hope, that new musicians will become agents of change and create new material as part of the formula for a united Africa and a united world. With a deep understanding of her heritage and the lineage from which she springs, Sharon Marleys view on Rastafari may seem slightly different from that of Bob Marley, she no longer wears the dreadlocks her father wore. Sharon has come to her own realization that Rastafari is more than hair; that Rasta is a way of being, how you live your life, rather than how you look in this life. She has learned that to be truly Rasta is to be all that her father stood for and sang

Planet Africa Magazine | Volume 7 |Issue 1 | 47

Sharon Marley is Managing Director of the Total Care Learning Centre (TCLC) in St. Andrew, Jamaica, where learning is based on the Montessori method. about. Ms. Marley is the embodiment of the consciousness that is truth, love, peace and unity. Just a brief conversation with her will reveal that Marley has indeed learned about the true value of life, while sitting at the proverbial feet of greatness. Her modest nature is juxtaposed with her confidence that the influence of her father continues to grow stronger. Sharon explains that there are enough progeny within the Marley clan that it is not the responsibility of any one person to propagate his legacy. Commenting on her eldest daughters contribution to history, Ms. Marley says, Donisha has just done this documentary, on Rasta, that I think he (Bob Marley) would be proud of if he saw it. It is impressive for someone at her age to be so spiritually inclined; its how we grew up, in a Rasta home, she continues. A simple pleasure is to watch her proudly speak about the work her daughter is doing to understand and educate about Rastafari, thereby helping in the preservation of the Marley legacy. 48 | Planet Africa Magazine | Volume 7 |Issue 1

The question remains, who is this young woman making strides to carve her own identity? Donisha Prendergast is not only Rita and Bob Marleys eldest granddaughter; she is a vocal representative of the third generation of Marley women, as Planet Africa calls them. At her core, Prendergast is an artist. Actor, filmmaker and poet, she is also called an activist is some circles. Her mission is an important simplicity and her passion is the spirit of her genealogy, to educate a people. Asked about being part of the Marley family, Donisha says that being a part of this family is an amazing experience. With her signature smile she shares that there is a great sense of responsibility. There is a great sense of honour and respect that you garner for yourself. Its a very privileged place to be, but its also a very responsible place. For Prendergast, that responsibility lies in changing the world. Following in the footsteps of those who have paved the way before her, she is embarking on a journey of self discovery. Her documentary film, RasTa: A Souls Journey, sheds light on her past, illuminating the way of the future. According to Prendergast, there are a lot of misconceptions about Rastafari. My documentary seeks to clear the name of and put forward a more positive and

conscious understanding of Rastafari, she says. In speaking about some of these fallacies, Donisha pointed out that Rastafari is a journey, and it is a personal journey. Thats one of the truths that I have found. Traversing four continents, the film went to eight countries around the world: Ethiopia, Israel, South Africa, Jamaica, the UK, the US and India, reports Prendergast. The documentarys website, rastaonline.ca explains that, Donisha acts as the irrepressible and charming guide, educating viewers about a way of life that many know little about beyond the dreadlocks, ganja, and the red, gold, and green. Along the way she encounters Rastafarian elders, musicians, poets, professors and individuals who share personal stories of the influence of Donishas iconic grandfather, Bob Marley, on their lives. Moving away from the standing approaches to Rastafari and Jamaica, RasTa: A Souls Journey, focuses on the international presence of Rastafari and the friendly people and places where the uplifting spirit of the movement can be found. In wanting to carry the torch of her famous family, Donisha uses this film to re-affirm the classic statement of her grandfather that indeed Rasta is the future. At its heart, RasTa: A Souls Journey, is a film that follows and celebrates a young womans quest as she comes into her own. Though she is passionate about the film, it is not her only focus. At the mention of Africa Unite, Prendergast becomes visibly excited. From her perspective, Africa Unite seeks to bring young people from all across the continent and the Diaspora into one place, so that we can have conversations about how we can build the bridge between Africa and the rest of the Diaspora. Donisha bemoans the rarity that individuals of different backgrounds can sit together to discuss and plan how something can be done to aid in Planet Africa Magazine | Volume 7 | Issue 1 | 49

the fulfillment of a better Africa. It is her belief that we need to bring these kinds of communications into one space, says Prendergast. Traditionally held in February to commemorate the birth of Bob Marley, the Africa Unite 2012 celebrations will take place in Jamaica, coinciding with the nations 50 years of independence. I really want to question what it means to be independent. Are we really independent? These are the questions Ms. Prendergast would like to pose to the attendees of Africa Unite. She is disturbed that countries still exist that are bound by various unseen chains of oppression. Africa is not just a nation, as far as I am concerned. Africa and going back to Africa is a state of mind, its a consciousness, its an emotion that you must feel and understand, she expounds. Donisha tells us that one day she would like to live on the continent of Africa. However, she is careful to note that she wants to make sure that she plays a part in preparing the space. It is her hope to share her dream with other young people. In attaining the dream of living in Africa, her grandmother Rita Marley is an inspiration to many. So too does she want to be an example for her generation. The young woman says she also wants to ask Africans on the continent, Do you consider us African? Can we start a new relationship? Because there is a lot of healing that we need to do as brothers and sisters, she says. That is the nucleus of Africa Unite, bringing young people especially, to the understanding that Africa is not so far away here. It starts here, in your heart, she says, putting her hand over her left breast. Fiery confidence intertwines with soft humility to create Donisha Prendergast. With lessons from her mother and grandmother, she is giving the message of the music a fresh voice. In speaking about the two prominent women in her life, Donisha says, they gave me roots, but they also gave me wings to fly. This attitude of self awareness is a hallmark of the Marley legacy, and that legacy lives on. A conversation with three generations of perspicacious Marley women echoes one pervasive word, love. In all its varied manifestations, love takes centre stage in their relationship with themselves, each other, and most importantly, with the world. It is striking that as the interview ends, Prendergast dispenses sage wisdom that many so often take for granted. Dont be afraid to love, but you must first start with loving yourself. It is a profound message spoken simply. In the way of Rastafari, in the fashion of Rita Marley, Sharon Marley and Donisha Prendergast, they all share One Love. 50 | Planet Africa Magazine | Volume 7 |Issue 1

In speaking about the two prominent women in her life, Donisha says, they gave me roots, but they also gave me wings to fly. This attitude of self awareness is a hallmark of the Marley legacy, and that legacy lives on.