Jamaicans campaign to give Bob top honour

Members of Bob Marley’s estate are lobbying the Jamaican government to proclaim the dreadlocked reggae singer a national hero, the country's highest honour.

He has inspired millions with his message of “one love” and is even hailed as a prophet by some: now, members of Bob Marley’s estate are lobbying the government to proclaim the dreadlocked reggae singer a national hero, Jamaica’s highest honour.

“Anywhere you go in the world the first thing people think of when they hear Jamaica is Bob Marley,” said Jacqueline Knight-Campbell, who is organising the campaign for the Bob Marley Foundation.

“He has inspired so many people with his songs so it’s time for us to step up and take Bob’s recognition to a higher level.”

The foundation is also seeking to have his birthday – February 6 – declared a national holiday.

The group is planning special celebrations, including a concert and a block party in the capital of Kingston, to mark his 60th birthday next year.

Marley died of cancer in 1981 at 36.