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The city of Los Angeles lit up with black, green, yellow, and red as the highly anticipated red carpet LA premiere of Bob Marley: ONE LOVE took place on a star-studded evening.
The event celebrated the life and music of the icon that is Bob Marley, whose legacy continues to inspire generations with his message of love and unity. Bob Marley: ONE LOVE marks the first time the legendary musician’s story has been brought to the big screen. Audiences are invited to delve into the powerful narrative of Bob Marley’s journey, from overcoming adversity to the creation of his revolutionary music that transcended borders and touched hearts worldwide. “I thought I knew Bob [Marley], but then when I look back I didn’t know anything really, and so everything I learned about Bob [Marley] I learned for the first time really, minus a few things, a few songs — I feel like we all have an idea of him because his music’s so powerful we feel like we know him…because his spirit’s in his music, but as a human being, I didn’t know anything at all,” said star of the film Ben-Adir.
The premiere boasted a lineup of esteemed guests, including the film’s stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, who portrays the titular character with mesmerizing depth, James Norton, Nia Ashi, Aston Barrett Jr., Anna-Sharé Blake, Gawaine Campbell, Naomi Cowan, Quan-Dajai Henriques, David Kerr, Hector “Roots” Lewis, Sheldon Shepherd, Stefan Wade, Cornelius Grant, Sundra Oakley, and Sam Palladio, each contributing to the tapestry of Bob Marley’s story with their talent and dedication. Both Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch who embodies the strength and grace of Rita Marley performances have already garnered critical acclaim, promising audiences an authentic and captivating portrayal of the Marley legacy. While Marley’s granddaughter, Zuri Marley shares that watching the film made her emotional at times, producer and Bob’s Marley’s son Ziggy Marley said, “the stuff that I connect with most in the film isn’t emotional, it’s the humorous stuff, stuff that make me laugh.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: (L-R) Brad Pitt, Ziggy Marley, and Kingsley Ben-Adir attend the Los Angeles Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at Regency Village Theatre on February 06, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Director Reinaldo Marcus Green led the creative vision behind the film, capturing the essence of Marley’s spirit and the vibrancy of his music. The production received invaluable support from producers Ziggy Marley and executive producers Brad Pitt and Orly Marley, ensuring that the film remained true to its subject’s legacy. When asked what makes him the proudest about his father’s legacy, Ziggy said “me love how he dealed with people, he was friendly with people. He teach me that openness.”
The premiere was a magnet for Hollywood’s elite, with notable attendees gracing the red carpet. Music legend Stevie Wonder, pop sensation Kylie Minogue, reggae icon Shaggy, R&B diva Kelly Rowland, and hip-hop luminary RZA were among those who came to pay tribute to Bob Marley’s enduring influence. Other notable guests included Omarion, Mýa, Zuri Marley, Mark Ronson, Bill Bellamy, Jon Bernthal, Chris Blackwell, Shenseea, Lilly Singh, Damson Idris, Rocky Dawuni, Jimmy Jam, Jessie Reyez, Dinah Jane, Naomi Garrick, and Nesta Garrick, adding to the star power of the evening.
The LA red carpet premiere of Bob Marley: ONE LOVE was a celebration of music, culture, and the indomitable spirit of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. As audiences prepare to embark on Marley’s journey on the silver screen, the premiere served as a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy and the timeless message of love and unity that continues to resonate across the globe. Bob Marley: ONE LOVE is in theatres February 14, 2024.