Photo: Paul Natkin/Getty Images
February 6 marks the birthday of iconic singer, musician, and activist, Bob Marley, born Robert Nesta Marley. As the world takes a moment to celebrate this cultural icon who passed away in 1981, it’s amazing to see that his work and his mission are being kept alive in big and small ways.
His music is still making an impact around the world today and now, it’ll be celebrated at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, who are putting on their very own production of ‘Three Little Birds’ starting February 8. If the title of the musical sounds familiar, it’s named after the same song where Mr. Marley sings:
“Don’t worry about a thing,
‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin’: don’t worry about a thing,
‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right!”
This care-free mantra is the foundation of the production, which features an all-Black cast.
“This show really brings so much joy, and it’s very empowering to be a part of an all-Black cast with Black leads in our creative team,” Janeta Jackson, one of the show’s actors shared.
Photo: John Merrick
Taking place in Jamaica, the story follows the life of Ziggy, a shy child who’s content on seeing the world from his television inside the safety of his own room. It’s the job of three little birds to convince Ziggy to look at life as an adventure and venture into the outside world around him. Infused with Marley’s classic songs such as “Is This Love?”, this reggae themed musical is on a mission to prove to children that you overcome your deepest fears as long as you have good people around you.
The musical runs through the end of Black History Month, on February 24th.
Photo: Jonathan Limehouse
Can’t attend the play in Charlotte? His daughter Cedella Marley, has written a children’s book by the same name.