When peace came - Three decades later, a country awaits its return
Published: Wednesday | April 22, 2009
Bob Marley, deep in meditation, is flanked on both sides by the two leaders. Prime Minister Michael Manley (left) and leader of the Opposition, Edward Seaga (right). Second from left immediately behind Bob is the Prime Minister's bodyguard. - Photos by Howard Moo Young
What happened on the night of April 22, 1978, inside the National Stadium will go down in Jamaica's history as a milestone for peace. Not only did the King of Reggae and musical ambassador, Robert Nesta Marley call the two leaders Michael Manley and Edward Seaga on stage to join him in a show of solidarity for peace, but he also gave the performance of a lifetime at the 'One Love Peace Concert' which has been billed as the 6th Rock Concert of all time.
A packed stadium with over 32,000 spectators will never forget that night when, in a moment, everything halted and peace was no more an illusion. It was a time when our nation reeled under the violence of political war. It was only two years before that Bob Marley was shot and went into self-exile in Britain (United Kingdom). It was Claudie Massop who was sent by the local Peace Committee to try to encourage Bob to return to the island for the concert and was successful in completing his task.
History captured by camera
As both leaders greet each other on stage, Bob Marley, grasps the hands of Michael Manley and Edward Seaga and raises them in an act of unity and One Love.
The rest is history and has been captured by the camera of 2008 Silver Musgrave medallist and award-winning photographer, Howard Moo Young, to be shared by those who didn't have the chance to be there and by the many who were yet to be born. Marley, who had brought the prime minister and leader of the opposition together on stage before the entire nation, yet again brought both leaders together at his funeral in the National Arena in 1981, and this time around both had switched roles as Edward Seaga became prime minister in 1980.
Bob Marley has left his legacy of 'ONE LOVE!' not only to his beloved Jamaica, but to the entire world.
These photographs will be on display at the Gleaner-sponsored Liguanea Festival of Fine Art and Photography on Sunday, April 26, from 10 a.m., along with the entire collection.
Reggae singer Bob Marley (centre) joins the hands of Prime Minister Michael Manley and Opposition Leader Edward Seaga on stage during the One Love Peace Concert at the National Stadium in Kingston on April 22-1978. The concert commemorated the visit of Ethipian Emperor, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie. - Photos by Howard Moo Young
