Bob Marley Performs At One Love Peace Concert On This Date In 1978

Reggae legend Bob Marley was among the performers at the all-star One Love Peace Concert reggae event held 40 years ago today in Kingston, Jamaica at The National Stadium. The historic concert was staged during political unrest in Jamaica as an effort to bring together two warring groups: the People’s National Party (PNP) and Jamaican Labour Party (JLP). This edition of Sunday Cinema travels back in time four decades to revisit the landmark reggae performances that made up the One Love Peace Concert.

Marley’s participation marked his first appearance in concert since the December 5, 1976 Smile Jamaica Concert, which was held in Kingston just two days after gunmen entered Marley’s home and shot the reggae legend in an attempt to take his life. Bob Marley & The Wailers headlined the One Love Peace Concert, following performances by many local stars.

The 1978 event also saw Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Judy Mowatt, U-Boy, Ras Michael and The Sons of Negus, The Mighty Diamonds and several others. It was attended by the leaders of both the JLP (Edward Seaga) and the PNP (Michael Manley). Marley brought Seaga and Manley up onstage during The Wailers’ performance of “Jammin’” and joined the together the hands of the opposing party leaders.

A documentary film Heartland Reggae capturing the reggae summitt can be viewed below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7ieaiff8rY

Tracklist & Video Timings

[1:50] Jacob Miller – Peace Treaty

[6:52] Dennis Brown – Whip Them Jah Jah

[11:58] Peter Tosh – African

[16:19] Jacob Miller – I Am A Natty

[21:09] Bob Marley – Natty Dread

[27:14] Judy Mowatt – Black Woman

[30:37] Peter Tosh – 400 Years

[36:20] U-Roy – Natty Don’t Fear

[39:18] U-Roy – Soul Rebel

[42:23] Bob Marley – Trenchtown Rock

[48:10] Junior Tucker – Enjoy Yourself

[50:59] Peter Tosh – Get Up, Stand Up

[56:04] Althea & Donna – Uptown Top Rankin’

[58:37] Bob Marley – War

[01:05:31] Peter Tosh – Legalize It

[01:10:55] Jacob Miller – Tired Fe Lick Weed

[01:16:42] Bob Marley & The Wailers – Jammin’

[01:21:29] Bob Marley & The Wailers – Jah Live