Why did Bob Marley protest?

Answer 1

This question is partially answered in the Bob Marley biography on the Answers.com page:
"...The cultural and political aspects of Rastafarianism defined it as a potential threat to the Establishment. These included a belief in black racial superiority, radical http://www.answers.com action, and an endorsement of the spiritual uplifting that could allegedly be attained by smoking http://www.answers.com. These threads fit in perfectly with the cultural rebellion of the 1970s, and Marley's songs expressed his commitment to political and social revolution. He became a prophet to http://www.answers.com peoples worldwide, singing of freedom and justice, of fighting for rights and dignity. Marley did not just sing about social justice; he practiced what he preached. He took on a series of community projects, at one time supporting more than 6,000 people with food, jobs, and housing. He invested in schools and infrastructure in Jamaica. Marley became a powerful political icon in Jamaica and in 1976 survived an assassination attempt by gunmen apparently trying to stop a free concert organized by the ruling People's National Party. After the http://www.answers.com incident, Marley left for tours of Europe and the United States and produced four new albums that increased his worldwide popularity: Exodus (1977), Babylon by Bus (1978), Kaya (1978), and Uprising (1980)..." This question is partially answered in the Bob Marley biography on the Answers.com page:
"...The cultural and political aspects of Rastafarianism defined it as a potential threat to the Establishment. These included a belief in black racial superiority, radical nonviolent http://www.answers.comaction, and an endorsement of the spiritual uplifting that could allegedly be attained by smoking marijuana. These threads fit in perfectly with the cultural rebellion of the 1970s, and Marley's songs expressed his commitment to political and social revolution. He became a prophet to downtrodden peoples worldwide, singing of freedom and justice, of fighting for rights and dignity. Marley did not just sing about social justice; he practiced what he preached. He took on a series of community projects, at one time supporting more than 6,000 people with food, jobs, and housing. He invested in schools and infrastructure in Jamaica. Marley became a powerful political icon in Jamaica and in 1976 survived an assassination attempt by gunmen apparently trying to stop a free concert organized by the ruling People's National Party. After the frightening incident, Marley left for tours of Europe and the United States and produced four new albums that increased his worldwide popularity: Exodus (1977), Babylon by Bus (1978), Kaya (1978), and Uprising (1980)..."

Answer 2

Nesta Robert "Bob" Marley, (6 February 1945 - 11 May 1981) was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae bands The Wailers (1964-1974) and Bob Marley & The Wailers (1974-1981). Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience.[1]

Answer 3

This political atmosphere has affected his writings tremendously and his writings in turn, affected the Jamaican politics of the day. Marley's music grew out of both severe and constant economic impoverishment as well as political discontent with the government and its policies; and it is in this context that as well his music must be analyzed and understood.

During this period he rose to prominence and his music gave rise to a new form of consciousness among blacks and a defiant rejection of the system of oppression.

The move to Kingston allowed Marley to sense and understand the peculiar realities of post-independent Jamaica, one which saw the impoverishment of the majority of blacks, still with a lack of access to education, or the possibility of economic improvement or increased political clout.

This discontent and disillusion among the poor blacks would provide material and influence for Marley's dissemination of political opinions in his words and actions and his cry for spiritual redemption.

'Get up, Stand up' Urged People to Rise and Stand and Fight for Their Right

The inadequate housing and political unrest which was taking place at the time found root in lyrics which such as 'Get up, Stand up' which urged people to rise and stand and fight for their rights, and to no longer be just reactive but to become proactive.

He argued that there needed to be a revolution, one that would have to be pragmatic and one that would take place from within the working class and no where else.

Marley's music advocated for a change in governmental regimes and a distrust of politicians, to be done by agitation and creating disenchantment with existing value system.

Marley's political interest grew and reflected itself more and more and his music and reflected a median resistance and challenge to the system of neo-colonialism.

Marley did not mimic the master at the core of the plantation culture rather he sought to create a separate identity for blacks.

The 1970's and 1980's brought with it a great sense of uncertainty as political tensions between the two rival political parties often resulted in deaths and a growing sense of distrust for political parties and the game of 'politicks'.

Marley's message of solace to the oppressed cannot negate the wider scope and impact of his messages that of both a deep sense of self-realization and self-actualization which was needed.

Marley therefore came as a revolutionary who came to conquer rather than to bow, and his music would reflect three things:

1) The need to demand justice from power elites;

2) A belief in exile and return to Africa;

3) and lastly the belief in tolerance rather than the judgment of individuals.

In fact his political message was as powerful as his musical message and the two were inextricably bound up together.

Since the 1970's Jamaican politics have seen the most rapid institutional transformations.

Answer 4

Bob Marley was famous because, he was a famous ragge singer

Answer 5

He wasn't "killed". He died of a malignant melanoma (skin cancer) that spread throughout his body.