Jamaican artist Duane Forrest gives a fascinating insight into the world and music of Bob Marley. Delving into the roots of reggae, he demonstrates how country music influenced early Jamaican music. While giving some interesting facts about Marley’s upbringing, Forrest wove through some personal anecdotes about growing up in an all-white school in Canada named after a wealthy slave trader. He still bears the scars of trying to straighten his hair to “fit in with the crowd”.

His gentle and endearing manner belies the pain he conceals, telling heart-wrenching stories of the “Buffalo Soldiers: Stolen from Africa, Brought to America, Fighting on arrival, Fighting for survival.” They were forced into serving in the army and advancing the American West, fighting against poachers and the native Americans. The combat prowess, bravery, tenaciousness, and how they appeared on the battlefield, inspired the Indians to call them Buffalo Soldiers.

Despite some of the more sombre stories, overall the mood is one of celebration, joy and vitality. Even though Bob Marley died far too young at age 36, Forrest uses the analogy of seed that must die to produce more seeds. A fascinating, uplifting and heart-warming tribute to the father of reggae.