It has become almost a custom for students in Benin to mark May 11th with a giant concert. This in order to celebrate the death of the number one REGGAE king to relive his beautiful melodies and encourage the African youth to move forward in its approach to awareness. This year 2019, the mass been said once again.
Backpack, I went on site as a local guide, to share with you some wonderful moments of this annual meeting!
From 10:15 p.m. 'until dawn, we (re) heard the most beautiful songs of the artist Robert Nesta Marley known as “BOB MARLEY” and died in 1981 in Miami. This annual celebration is an initiative of the artistic and cultural group of students of Abomey Calavi (EACE) who advocates the awareness of African youth. On May 11th, 2019, demonstrations take place on the esplanade of the Voley Ball field at University of Abomey Calavi. Students, passengers, public figures and others were there!
08: 01 p.m. - I go down University (UAC) and take a quick tour of VolleyBall field where the organizers were making their preparations. Microphone testing, fitting of instruments, alignment of chairs and everything, the preparations last about an hour before the launch of the actual concert.
Tired, I found myself a little chair next to a nap. I take advantage of the free time to gather some information on the celebrations of past years and then prepare the first paragraph of this article that you read.
11:15 pm - A violent sound of a microphone wakes me up. It was the beginning of the festivities!
The high authority of the students speaks to greet the guests and curious spectators and leaves room for the director of EACE for his words of welcome. After their passage, the members of the animation orchestra climb on the podium to make their first demonstrations, all in Boubou with the color of the Benin flag with Bob Marley drawing in large format. The team is made up of three women and a dozen men to ensure the animation while other good men were arranged to ensure the safety of all.
Little by little, the good things come. After a few minutes, we immersed ourselves in the philosophy of Bob Marley through the songs that the orchestra interprets. What is interesting in the story is that each song of the artist took a new aspect of his philosophy and beyond the atmosphere that gives us the melodies, we learn a lot of other things about Africa Evolution. All of this in the reggae musical rhythm which Bob Marley is the father, himself.
One of the songs that touched me most is “No Woman, No Cry” released October 25, 1974 which advocates equality for women around the world. In particular, he recounts Trench Town, the miserable neighborhood filled with violence, armed gangs, corrupt politicians, mafia and domestic brutality. I could not really resist, I shed tears.
At one point in the animation, everyone got started. We could not see any orchestras, podiums, or anything else. The audience also formed a choir, singing in harmony with the orchestra.
By doing a quick search on the internet, I read this:
The Jamaican reggae has just been inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Unesco and the international organization recognizes the role of this music in many battles against injustice and in favor of humanity. For example, UNESCO emphasizes the “contribution” of this music to international awareness “on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity,” thanks to artists like Bob Marley.
That’s how I also put my body, soul and spirit to join my voice to Bob Marley’s to sing evolution of the black continent. It was a moment of joy, crying and relaxation. These music led me to an examination of conscience!
You can check what I’m talking about in this live video made by the organizers…
In the end, I found myself on my bed, in my house, one morning at 6 am, taking stock of the projects completed in 2019. Is not this a transformation?
Listen to music to become aware, what is it like on May 11th in Benin.