In 1978, reggae icon Bob Marley brought together two fierce political rivals, Michael Manley and Edward Seaga, at his One Love Peace Concert in Kingston, Jamaica.
Reports show that as his band, the Wailers, played an instrumental of Jammin, the bestselling reggae artist called the two politicians onstage and said: “Just let me tell you something yeah. To make everything come true, we gotta be together.”
The concert has gone into history, thanks to the Rastafari message of unity and a desire to address the political violence that was plaguing Jamaica.
That moment of truth dialled up the call for peace, love and unity which the Rastafarian faith still upholds today—and it has found renewed relevance as Malawi grapples with surging political violence.
In a similar fashion, Malawian Rastafari community is set to walk in Bob Marley’s foot steps through a march which will culminate in a Peace and Unity Music Concert to call for an end to political hooliganism as the country counts down to the September 16 General Election.
The parade convened by the One Love, One Malawi movement will start from Clock Tower and end at Nyambadwe Primary School in Blantyre where the concert will be held.
The organisers plan to hand the microphone to chiefs, faith leaders, campaigners and politicians to speak against political intolerance hurting Malawi’s democracy.
Among others, the concert will feature Black Missionaries Band, Lambani Dube, Paul Subiri, Alleluliah Band, Queen Fire, Sam Smack and Jetu.
In an interview yesterday, lead organiser Ras Elijah Leonard Phekani said Rastafarians have historically taken the lead in advocating for peace and unity as did Marley, who they revere as the King of Reggae.
He said reggae has become a trusted tool that liberators have used to drive people out of oppression and political insanity.
“The voice of Rastafari has always been in the forefront. Even the messages in reggae music have inspired many revolutions.Even our leader Haile Selassie was influential in setting up the Organisation of African Unity,” said Phekani.
On his part, Ras Jerefaya Phomea said the march for peace and the subsequent open-air gig, scheduled for May 27, will give politicians and activists a chance to directly engage with the people.
“If they commit to join us during the parade, it will be a testament that they are walking the talk,” he said. “What politicians say on the podium will determine what their followers will do.”
Ras Jerefaya asked politicians to end violence and put Malawi first.
“Politics is a trade of ideas and we want to encourage politicians to be doing issue-based politics without attacking personalities.
On his part, musician Lambanie Dube said: “Reggae music is about love. Where there is reggae music, people are conscious of what they do as a result they cannot advance any sort of violence. That is what we need among the people.”
The Rastas have announced the event days after some assailants burned a minibus belonging to the Democratic Progressive Party in Mponela, Dowa District.
