Buju leads list of Bob Marley One Love Football Festival honourees
Published:Wednesday | January 24, 2024 | 12:07 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
BUJU BANTON will be one of five stalwarts in the music industry honoured at the 42nd renewal of the Bob Marley One Love Football Festival on Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, February 14, at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
Mark Myrie will be joined by former Arnett Gardens general manager and entertainer, Richard ‘Charlie Chaplin’ Bennett, Lewin ‘Louis Culture’ Brown, as well as music producers Donovan Germain, who is also manager of the Kingston College Manning Cup team, and Augustus ‘Gussie’ Clarke.
Organiser Clive ‘Busy’ Campbell said Ash Wednesday continues to be ‘Bob Marley One Love Day’ in his book, and he is pleased to see the continued support the event continues to garner after more than 40 years.
“From the very first time I decided to hold the event, I said it was going to be Ash Wednesday, Bob Marley Day. It falls in March sometimes but we always choose to have Bob Marley One Love on Ash Wednesday.
“It will be February 14 this year. But we hope you can support the Bob Marley One Love and support basic schools.
“So it’s Ash Wednesday but it falls on Valentine’s Day. But Ash Wednesday is Bob Marley day for me,” he emphasised.
He added that. “Words cannot truly express my appreciation for your continued support over the years. It is now 42 years that this event is being hosted by Masters and Celebrities and I look forward to your continued support.”
Four teams will participate in the event this year, Masters and Celebrities, Entertainers, Referees, and Christian Ambassadors.
Alicia Williams of the Bob Marley Foundation said the Bob Marley One Love Football Festival is now a calendar event for the organisation and they anticipate an exciting day on February 14.
“Sports and education is one of our missions at the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation. Great football, good music and a whole lot of fun are what patrons can expect at the 42nd Bob Marley One Love Football match,” she commented.
Contribution to attend the event is $500, and as per usual, the proceeds will go towards assisting a basic school.
Sports Development Foundation (SDF) interim general manager, Leslie Harrow, said the event remains beneficial to a wide cross-section of people for more than 40 years.
“For over four decades, this event has positively impacted the lives of individuals and communities. It enables fun competition for celebrities and masters, enticing the youths and motivating them as well,” he said.