Bob Marley & The Wailers ADD

Bob Marley: One Love – Reactions That Matter

02/19/2024 by Gardy Stein

Last week, the Bob Marley biopic One Love started in movie theatres around the world, and the box office figures reach dwindling heights everywhere: No. 1 Movie in America! One Love, however, was hardly felt in the discussions and postings about the film, even prior to its release. Many negative comments were uttered, most of them by people who have not even seen the movie yet. Alas, in these times it seems enough to read a headline or watch a TikTok clip to become an "expert".

Thankfully, we can report on more distinguished opinions by now, as a lot of viewers voice their point of view about Bob Marley: One Love. Among them are Jamaican artists like Nadine Sutherland, who was the first artist signed to Bob Marley's Tuff Gong label in 1980; Reggae insiders such as Cristy Barber or the "White Wailer", photographer and producer Lee Jaffe; and the descendants of those who are part of the Wailers legacy, such as Niambe Tosh (daughter of Peter Tosh, executive director at Peter Tosh Brand & Legacy).

We invite you to read their contributions below, as their reactions matter – their point of view has a stronger legitimacy and should be given more weight than the spiteful mumblings of haters or the unthinking criticism of media representatives who are not familiar with the Marley legacy and the Rastafarian culture. Let's tip the scales back to balance with their positive counters!

Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but before you utter yours, make sure you do your research, you ground yourself in facts (not something you overheard somewhere), and you respect the enormous contribution each and every one involved in this movie has made – from the producer to the actors to the location scouts, riggers and designers. Most of all, watch the movie for yourself and make up your own mind about it. Once you open yourself up to its message, you'll hopefully realize what we all need to take from it: more love, less hate!

NADINE SUTHERLAND:
"The movie and soundtrack for One Love Movie will help to ensure that Bob Marley's legacy will live on. Through the film, Jamaica, our complex political history, Rastafari, Reggae Music, our unique vibe, essentially, our story will be shown to the world. I became so emotional when I saw that our actors and artistes were featured in major roles, providing them with opportunities for major international exposure. Big up Auntie Fae Ellington and the institutions that were used to ensure the authenticity of how our language would be projected. Big up all the Jamaicans who worked on production, the stunt men and women, caterers, and all the other crew members. I celebrate this moment, I celebrate all the positives this could bring to our country. Big up yourselves! People get ready! February 14th!  Go out and support." 

NIAMBE TOSH:
"There are no words to fully capture the incredible feeling of seeing a piece of my culture, my story, my identity, so beautifully represented. Rastafari – The Wailers – Reggae – Jamaica – I AM FILLED WITH PRIDE‼! It falls upon us, and us alone, to tell Peter's story, and I am beyond excited and inspired to undertake this sacred task. A heartfelt congratulations and thank you to Cedella Marley and the entire Marley family. This moment is a testament to our collective beauty and strength." 

LEE JAFFE:
"Bob Marley: One Love. I lived at 56 Hope Road for three years and the picture felt so real... loved every frame... I always wished i could have been at Studio One when the Wailers were recording there. I was transported... three days later I'm still not simmered down--so emotional. so grateful for the gorgeous production... what enormous decisions needed to be made in order to have a two hour movie for the big screen. i am in awe. the choice of director and cast so brilliant... what work must have been done to create Bob's speaking voice and mannerisms and not seem stilted and cringy... the Rita Bob relationship seemed so there... those actors are as good as it gets!!! Makes me reflect on how Bob's family has and continues to advance the legacy. The literally thousands of concerts and recordings over the decades since Bob's passing, always with the highest level of musicianship mixing in their original songs with Bob's always with utmost respect and humility. give thanks...One Love" 

CRISTY BARBER (Grammy nominated music producer and 30+ year music industry veteran, and former president of Ghetto Youths International): "I heard the news, so I waited. I saw the trailer, but still I waited. I saw the premieres, and continued to wait. I heard ALL the noise, still I waited. It's now out for the world to see and I knew I couldn't wait anymore. My heart wanted to go it alone, so I did. This cold, sunny afternoon I pulled up, walked inside and said to the guy behind the counter, "I need one for Bob at 1:45pm". There is so much to say, but I want to say this, the ring scene is the scene that meant everything to me. I felt it deep in my heart and soul and I could not stop the tears from flowing. I've never seen anything more moving on the big screen. So thanks my Marley Family for that. I've said it so many times over the years, watching interviews, performances, documentaries and even in pictures, I see ALL of Bob's sons in him, but this time, Kingsley channeled Rohan for this performance for sure. So let's start this Oscar campaign from NOW for Mr. Kingsley Ben-Adir. What do you say Ro?"

LLOYD STANBURY (Jamaican entertainment attorney and music business consultant): "EXCELLENT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Now that I have seen the movie, I will reaffirm my strong belief in the maxim "empty barrels make the most noise". All those persons who have been running up their mouths about the decisions made by the movie producers, should go watch the movie, or just STFU."