Reggae icon Bob Marley the focus of new exhibition

7 November 2016

A rare collection of Bob Marley photographs commissioned by the reggae icon's estate and music label Island Records will be shown at Waikato Museum during a three month exhibition.

Purchased for Gisborne's Tairawhiti Museum, the collection will be part of the eponymously titled exhibition on Marley, opening on 17 December and running through until 2 April.

The Bob Marley exhibition is a tribute to the late Jamaican reggae musician, considered one of the most influential musicians of all time and whose estimated total album sales top 100,000,000. Waikato Museum Director Cherie Meecham says the rhythm and lyrics of Bob Marley’s songs have resonated with people since the late 1960s, and he was integral in setting the scene to embed reggae into New Zealand culture.

“New Zealanders have long embraced reggae and Bob Marley has been one of the greatest influences on New Zealand music," she says. "The Bob Marley exhibition celebrates and recognises Marley’s legacy as a leader, whose message of dignity, tolerance and racial unity continues to influence generations.”

A number of events are planned to complement the exhibition including the chance to join a crochet "crafternoon"  and create beanies on Sunday 22 January.

Marley, born 6 February 1945, shares his birthday with Waitangi Day and his life and music are often celebrated at events across the country. A major free public event, Celebrate Waitangi Day, at Waikato Museum will acknowledge Bob Marley and will celebrate unity with performances from the community.

Entry is free to the exhibition Bob Marley. For more information visit waikatomuseum.co.nz.