Rita Marley, widow of reggae legend Bob Marley, will receive the Consulate General’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Cutler Bay, South Florida on October 1.
The award will be presented during a performance of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) at South Miami Dade Cultural Arts Center. Like Jamaica, the creative dance group is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, acknowledged the Marley matriarch’s feats.
“This being Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence, it is fitting that Jamaica recognizes its stalwarts, especially those who have helped to lay the foundations of the island’s music. Rita Marley is one of those Jamaicans who were in the trenches at the groundbreaking stage. Rita Marley’s role has been seminal, both as a recording artist, as a founding member of the I-Three,” he said.
While Cuba-born Rita is world-famous for building the Marley brand after her husband’s death in May, 1981 at age 36, she had a solid career with The Soulettes prior to forming the I-Three in the early 1970’s with Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt.
Following Bob’s death, she recorded a succession of hit songs including the weed anthem, One Draw, Harambe and The Beauty of God’s Plan. Her business savvy has made the Marley brand a multi-million dollar empire.
“Rita Marley has held the Marley clan together as its matriarch and led the Marley family and organization to the pre-eminent position as one of the most important families in modern popular music,” said Mair.
Now 76, Rita is the recipient of several awards including the Order of Jamaica, Jamaica’s fifth-highest honor. She also holds an honorary doctor of letters degree from the University of the West Indies.
Formed by Rex Nettleford and Eddy Thomas, the NDTC are respected globally for their Afrocentric choreography. They will stage a second show on October 2 at 7:00 pm at the Miramar Cultural Performing Arts Center in Miramar.
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