Rita Marley, Bob Marley’s widow, celebrates 77th birthday
Story from Saleh INUWA, Kano
Rita Marley, born Alpharita Constantia Marley, is a Jamaican-Ghanaian singer with Cuban roots, and she was the beloved wife of the internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter, Bob Marley.
Following Bob’s passing, Rita Marley continued her solo career and diligently carried forward the musical legacy of her late husband. In addition to her music, she founded the Bob Marley Foundation, a charitable organization aimed at assisting people in need within developing countries.
Her journey in the music industry began in Santiago de Cuba, where she sang on the radio before forming ‘The Soulettes’ with her cousin, Constantine Walker, and her friend, Marlene Gifford.
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Their performances caught the attention of none other than Bob Marley, who soon became their mentor and collaborator. Rita later became a prominent member of Bob Marley’s renowned band, ‘Bob Marley and the Wailers’.
One of her significant contributions was on the studio album ‘Natty Dread’, which marked the group’s first entry into the top 100 on the Billboard 200 chart. Furthermore, the album achieved an impressive rank of 181st on Rolling Stone magazine’s esteemed list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Beyond her musical achievements, Rita Marley is also renowned for her philanthropic endeavours. She displayed immense compassion by adopting 35 children in Ethiopia and supporting over 200 children in a school located in Ghana.
With her continued dedication to music and her selfless acts of kindness, Rita Marley’s impact on the world remains profound and inspiring.
As she celebrates her 77th birthday, her remarkable journey continues to touch the lives of many around the globe.
