Marley 2012

For nearly fifty years, Bob Marley—the musician, revolutionary, and legendary figure—has profoundly influenced diverse populations worldwide, a legacy that remains unmatched. His death in May 1981 not only left a significant void in the realm of reggae, arguably modern music’s most spiritual and accessible genre, but also highlighted the remarkable power of his presence, paving the way for an unparalleled, posthumous expansion of his fan base.

The enduring appeal of Bob Marley is far from a mere music phenomenon. A testament to this is the enduring success of the album Legend, which is one of only 17 albums to surpass the 10-million sales mark as of 2009. Remarkably, it continues to sell approximately 250,000 copies each year and holds the title as the second-longest charting album in the history of Billboard magazine. With an ever-expanding fanbase—evidenced by an impressive 33+ million followers on platforms like Facebook and Twitter—his fame has transformed him into a spiritual beacon.

More than three decades later, the powerful messages embedded in his music have established Marley as a cultural force of significance. His lifestyle often intertwined with political movements around the globe. Today, politically conscious youth seeking solidarity, as seen in recent months with the rising popularity of Bob Marley’s music and imagery during protests in the Middle East and Africa, as well as at Occupy Wall Street gatherings, regard him as a vibrant cultural reference point. Despite the unwavering loyalty that surrounds this iconic figure and the continual excitement from new generations rediscovering his legacy, many of his life’s mysteries and unanswered questions linger.

Numerous concert films, biographies, DVDs, and unauthorized videos have attempted to unravel the story of this enigmatic star over the years since his passing. However, Bob Marley remains just as complex as he is cherished. Now, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Marley family and Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald, many of these questions have now been addressed, shedding light on the intricate tapestry of his life that has captivated so many.