Shilo Speaks Regarding The Marley's

Submitted by: Shilo of www.celebrityplus.net

Photos

Published: Wednesday, August 18, 2004

I can vividly remember one day in May 1981...I was in my bedroom in Brooklyn reading a book anticipating my sweet sixteenth birthday party in a few days.  I had the radio on...and WLIB was playing 'One love' by Bob Marley. I am a huge Bob Marley fan and was back then also. The book I was reading was entitled 'Rastafari'.  I had the Bob Marley t-shirts, the buttons...the records. You name it...I had it...If I didn't own it, it was accessible.  After 'One Love', the dj went into 'Coming In From The Cold'...  I was loving this...two Bob Marley tunes in a row...no problem, keep em coming I thought.  After that...there was a third...then still another. I remember sitting up and saying to myself...'this isn't February...it ain't his birthday...why is this starting to sound like a tribute?

That's when the DJ confirmed my worst fear.  He said...'voice of the late great Robert Nesta Marley'!!!  I stood at attention...late? late?
Doesn't refering to someone as 'late', mean they have passed on?
No sah...this couldn't be happening. Just then the phone rang and when I answered, my friend was on the line crying and said 'Shilo Bob dead'.

I will never forget that day!!! Ever!!! 

What made me my tears and belly ache start was because I had taken life for granted. Seizing the moment was a phrase that meant nothing to me at that time.  My friend Sasha's father worked for a magazine and had brought us tickets...front row tickets for the last concert Bob every performed at Central Park right here in NY.  He told us to go and capture some culture...build memories.  However...we had a 'party' to go to the same night. Wow...a party.  I am kicking myself still...I turned down the experience of a life time because I assumed Bob would be performing again and I would have another opportunity.  He never did...he collapsed and the drama started...his 'physical' death came too soon. Too sudden.

ROOTS, ROCK, REGGAE FESTIVAL 2K4
Bob Marley's Legacy.
His Children!!!

When I found out about this tour coming to Brooklyn, right in my backyard...there was no way I would miss this opportunity.  I am seizing the moment!!!  That I did...TWICE!!!

I watched Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Kymani, and Damian bring culture and their Father's presence to Prospect Park on the night of Tuesday, August 10th. Listening to Bob's offspring's singing their father's songs, made you feel as if Bob himself was on stage. I am sure his spirit saw all and smiled nuff.  After the Brooklyn show...I checked the tour schedule and realized they would be in Trenton, NJ on the Friday night. Thanks to Barney and Marsha...Celebrity Plus was on hand to witness and be a part of history.  In more ways than one...
Not only did the Marley brothers bring the culture to NJ...and the grand children of the Tuff Gong on stage at the end of their performance...when Ziggy announced that he had a surprise for us, and that he would be bringing a sister on stage who we all know and love...the arena hit fever pitch.  Lauren Hill walked onto the stage, and received an overwhelming response from the shocked audience. The shock I guess because this is Lauren's first public appearance in years. She sang 'Is This Love' with Ziggy, and the historic moment gave me goose pimples.

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT JULIAN
Julian Marley, Bob's 29 year old son that not many people are too familiar with, deserves a special mention.  While watching them in Brooklyn, I was having a very difficult time trying to figure out who sounded more like the legend to me...when I heard them again, I realized it was Julian. 'That's my opinion so hush'.  It's not just his voice either...it's his aura. I stood next to him backstage in Brooklyn and outside by the buses for a minute. He is calm, warm, deep and extremely spiritual. He is unbelievably talented, and it is a joy to watch Julian on stage. He moves and sings so much like his father, I had to shake my head. While all eyes were on the others, most times my eyes were on Julian...there is just something about that brother.

Stephen is the 'rudeboy' of the family and you can't help but love him. He is talented and a real tuff gong.

Damian...yes Jr Gong...that man can DJ...when he started to chant fast on a few a di riddim whe dem mix down, both Brooklyn and NJ match up...trust mi!!!  It's not often yu hear 'wheeeeeeeeeellllllllll' at a cultural event. Yes Mr 'Half-Way-Tree'...yu have it.

Ky-mani...yes dancer. Ky-Mani is every bit as humble and sweet in person as he looks. The raspy voice much like his dad...he charmed the ladies when he performed a track from his up-coming album. Each time he grabbed the mic and stepped up front the place mash up. We know he is a natural born actor...but catch Ky-Mani on stage...you gotta love him.  (Oh yeah...what a man fine man!!!)

Ziggy...what can I say about Ziggy that y'all don't already know. He is a typical big brother who loves his family infinity. You could see the love by the way he would step back and let each brother have their moment. His smile was fixed on his face and he was always beaming with pride. Each time one of his siblings would finish a solo...they would look at David aka Ziggy, and he would give them that reassuring smile.

Since I took two cameras with me, Marsha volunteered her services and happily took one and went on a photo taking spree. The clearer photos were taken by her as she had the better camera. I kept the one with less pixels and more zoom so I could zoom in on Ky-mani. ;) Marsha gal...yu dun good!!!  Thanks for helping to capture this historic event. Thanks for everything.

ROOTS, ROCK, REGGAE, really rocks!!!
It's not too late...catch up with the history that's 'on the move'.  Jamaican people...come out and support our Royal Family. Please!!!  I hear nuff people talk crap and have no grounds to sustain their crap.  Catch up with the tour... http://www.rootsrockreggae.com

Be a part of history.
Don't hear about it...be about it!!! www.celebrityplus.net  she dat!!!
Mi back mi chat!!! Straight!!!