On February 6, 2025, the one and only Bob Marley would have turned 80. The Jamaican singer and activist is one of the most respected artists in history and left an incredible legacy with some of the best reggae songs ever made. To honor him, the Marley family and his record labels are launching a yearlong tribute to the "One Love" singer. The celebrations will include special events and presentations globally, starting with a live-streamed tribute concert from Kingston, Jamaica. Here's how you can celebrate the “The Gong.”
"Bob Marley Day" tribute concert
The official festivities began on Thursday, February 6, with the Uprising concert, named after Marley’s influential 1980 album. The four-hour tribute will feature performances that appeared in the 2024 biopic Bob Marley: One Love with a closing concert at Emancipation Park. You can watch the concert on the Tuff Gong TV YouTube channel here.
“We’re celebrating Daddy’s 80th birthday under the theme ‘Uprising,’ a powerful moment for our family and fans around the world,” said Cedella Marley, Bob’s daughter. “This album reflects his spirit with songs like ‘Forever Loving Jah,’ ‘Coming in from the Cold,’ and ‘Redemption Song,’ which continue to inspire generations. This 80th milestone reminds us of his enduring message of love, freedom, and resilience.”
Global Virtual Singalong
On Thursday morning, a special worldwide singalong led by Young Voices children’s choir in Manchester, UK, numbering 8,000, performed a “Marley Magic” medley of classic songs such as “One Love” and “Three Little Birds.” You can rewatch the stream on the Young Voices YouTube channel here.
SiriusXM Radio Tribute
SiriusXM’s Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio (Channel 19) broadcasted the Uprising concert livestream with special Marley-themed programming, including rare tracks, exclusive recordings from the Marley family, and birthday messages from artists across various genres. Motown legend Smokey Robinson was a guest DJ, and the broadcast will be available for on-demand listening on the SiriusXM app starting February 7.
New Web Series: Bob Marley & I
To further honor the "Buffalo Soldier" singer's legacy, the first episode of a new short video series titled Bob Marley & I will debut during the Uprising concert livestream. The series features personal stories from artists, fans, and friends of the "Three Little Birds" singer, with the inaugural episode showcasing U.K. filmmaker Don Letts with a testimony of how the singer changed his life. Additional episodes will be available on Marley’s social media channels in the future.