Photo Credit: Getty Images
By Olubunmi Adebayo
*The prosecutor, AG Morrison called several witnesses to testify about the dangerous effects of Bob’s music.*
*Police Commissioner Frank Thompson testified : since Mr. Marley’s music became popular, we’ve seen increased protests and demonstrations. Young people are more defiant, more likely to challenge police authority. His concerts often result in crowds that are difficult to control.*
*School principal Margaret Foster testified : students come to school singing Mr. Marley’s songs about fighting and revolution. They question authority, challenge teachers, refuse to follow rules. His music is making our children ungovernable.*
*Member of Parliament Charles Davidson testified. Mr. Marley’s concerts are political rallies disguised as entertainment.*
*To defend Bob Marley, his lawyer – David Chen called Dr. Marcus Reed, a Professor of sociology at the University of the West Indies.*
*Dr. Reed testified that quite the opposite, Marley’s music has actually reduced violence in Jamaica. He said before his One Love Concert, political violence was tearing Jamaica apart. That his music has brought warring factions together, and prevented more violence than he has ever caused.*
*Marley’s lawyer called several more witnesses, community leaders, social workers, young people, all testifying that Bob’s music had inspired them to work for positive change through peaceful means in Jamaica.*
*But Judge Williams seemed unconvinced. She wanted to hear from Marley directly. Bob Marley told the judge : “Your honor, my music comes from Jah, from God. It speaks about love, about unity, about people standing up for what’s right. When I sing Get up, Stand up, I’m not telling people to break the law. I’m telling them to demand justice when the law is unjust.*
*Bob explained further : “Your honor, if a law says that black people can’t vote, should people obey that law? If a law says that poor people can’t get medical care, should people accept that? Sometimes standing up for what’s right means challenging what’s wrong, but always through love, never through hate.”*
*Mr Morrison alleged that Mr. Marley’s song, “I Shot the Sheriff” clearly promotes violence against police officers.*
*But Bob replied that the song was not about killing policemen. It’s a metaphor about defending yourself against oppression. The sheriff represents any force that tries to keep people down.*
*And that the same song says, “But I did not shoot the deputy, meaning I only fought back when I had to.”*
*Judge Williams strongly wanted to know what Marley wanted his audience to do?*
*Marley said he wanted them to love themselves : “Your honor. I want them to love each other. I want them to work for justice, but through peace.”*
*Judge Williams was quiet for a long moment. Finally she said “Mr. Marley, I want to ask you something directly. “If I rule that you cannot perform music with political messages, will you comply? Bob looked at the judge, then at the crowd of supporters who had packed the courtroom, and said quietly : “Your honor, I would respect the court’s decision, but I would also have to follow my conscience”.*
*”If Jah calls me to make music, I have to make music. If the people need to hear messages of love and justice, I have to share those messages. I would rather go to prison for speaking truth than be free for staying silent”.*
*To be concluded tomorrow, God willing.*
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