A FEATURE FILM ON PETER TOSH IS IN THE MAKING!

LESS than a year after British film director Kevin MacDonald mentioned plans to make a film about reggae icon Peter Tosh, talks to do so have begun with the singer’s estate.

Niambe McIntosh, daughter of the late singer, disclosed that they are currently working out the finer details of the project.

MCINTOSH… daughter of the late singer Peter Tosh disclosed plans to make a film about the reggae icon

The feature film will focus on the period surrounding the release of Tosh’s 1976 album Legalize It.

This was Tosh’s first major solo effort after leaving The Wailers, and its release coincided with albums put out by the other members of that famous trio — Bunny Wailer’s Blackheart Man and Bob Marley’s Rastaman Vibration.

But why focus on this period of Tosh’s life?

“The songs on Legalize It are still so relevant today. When one looks at the fact that the state of Colorado has just legalised marijuana, and the discussion continues here in Jamaica, we want to keep the conversation going through this tool — a film,” she told Splash.

Work has begun on the script, but no date has been set for the start of production or the film’s official release.

Niambe said MacDonald was chosen to direct following his impressive showing with the documentary Marley, which was released last April.

“When I saw the documentary I was so pleased with the way the story was told. He is a really, really great storyteller. He was able to fill so many gaps and answer many questions people had about Bob Marley. In addition, I really loved The Last King of Scotland, which he also directed, another great story.”

As Tosh’s youngest child, Niambe, who is 31 years old, feels a feature film is the best way to pique the interest of those who do not know Tosh, especially the younger generation who have heard about The Wailers and Bob Marley but are not familiar with her father.

“When young people look at Tosh’s work, he is such a part of history and has such a legacy which has to be told, and a film is the right tool at this time,” she added.

Casting is yet to commence and Niambe has not thought about who will play the role of her father, but says the actor who lands that role must bring a certain dynamism and versatility in order to accurately convey the many facets he possessed.

Peter Tosh, born Winston Hubert McIntosh, was a founding member of The Wailers along with Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley in the early 1960s.

He was shot and killed at his home in St Andrew on September 11, 1987. He was 42 years old.