Bob Marley goes to Zion at 36

Kingston/Miami, May 11, 1981 – 1:00 PM (BRT)

The reggae family awoke in shock to news no one wanted to hear. On this Monday morning, Robert Nesta Bob Marley – our Tuff Gong, prophet of love and Jamaica's greatest ambassador – returned to the light after a courageous battle against cancer that spread from a wound on his right big toe to his lungs and brain. He passed away at 11:35 AM at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, surrounded by his wife Rita and his children.

A flame that set the planet ablaze

Born in Nine Mile, in the interior of St. Ann, on February 6, 1945, Bob planted seeds of resistance and spirituality in every corner of the world. With "Catch a Fire" (1973) the Wailers broke through; on "Natty Dread" (1974) the anthem "No Woman, No Cry" was born; and the planet sang together "One Love" and "Redemption Song". Even after the attack in Kingston that forced his exile in London, Marley came back stronger, turning every stage into a tribute to unity and social justice – an attitude long celebrated here at Surforeggae!  

Final days

Sensing the end, Bob traveled to Dr. Issels' clinic in Germany in search of alternative treatment. Last week he attempted to return to Kingston, but his condition worsened during a layover in Florida, where he received palliative care until this morning's passing.

Immediate reactions
• Peter Tosh declared that his brother "lit a fire that will never go out".
• Jimmy Cliff recalled that "the message of peace is now a mission for all of us".
• Crowds already fill Half-Way-Tree in Kingston, singing "Get Up, Stand Up" as they light candles and raise red-gold-green flags.

Ceremonies

The Jamaican government announced a state funeral in Kingston for next Friday (05/15). The body will proceed in procession from Independence Square to the National Arena, where thousands of faithful can pay tribute.

Eternal legacy

Bob Marley was not merely a musician – he was Jah's messenger. His lyrics echo equality, faith, and unconditional love. Today's pain is heavy, but his vibration lives on in every needle that touches a vinyl record, in every ghetto that finds strength in "War", in every heart that chooses love.

Keep the Reggae Music Alive! – That is our promise to Bob and to all who are yet to come.

Surforeggae Team – The Home of Reggae on the Internet