Africa Unite is a must for all lovers of reggae and especially Bob Marley, but not only for them. The documentary looks at the massive and controversial celebration of Marley’s 60th birthday held in February 2005 in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. About 300,000 admirers, musicians and activists gathered from all over the world to listen to the sons and wife of the reggae hero, who died more than 20 years ago. Countless others who express his legacy in a personal or institutional form, also provided a contribution to this huge event. Because that much is sure: Marley was at the heart of the rasta movement, held a crusade against Apartheid, revealed himself to be a great advocate of the struggle for independence in Zimbabwe and was a charismatic example for the international black community.
The Pan-African awareness that he achieved with his music and activism are still very topical today. The documentary listens to many young admirers who want to use his music and political campaigns to realise his spiritual legacy. Africa Unite is however more than an historic and topical analysis of the Marley phenomenon. The music comes first and much of the film looks at the unique 12-hour concert from 2005, compellingly visualised. (EH)
Film details
- Countries of production
- Jamaica, USA
- Year
- 2008
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2008
- Length
- 91"
- Medium/Format
- DV cam NTSC
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