Who was Bob Marley?
Bob Marley is one of the most famous Jamaica songwriters and singers to have ever lived. He was not only a celebrity in his home country, a place that inspired his music, but an icon known around the world. He’s most famous for his pioneering reggae music, a genre in which millions find solace and joy. Now, you can visit the Bob Marley Museum with us.
Marley was born Robert “Nesta” Marley in an area known as Nine Mile in the Saint Ann Parish of Jamaica. He lived there until he was thirteen years old. Marley passed away at the young age of 36 years old, due to cancer which had started in an old injury and spread to other organs. He was buried with his mother and half-brother at his childhood home, and today the Bob Marley Museum is a popular tourist attraction.
The Tour.
Entering the property, I immediately felt at peace. The air was thick with soothing heat and the palm trees swayed gracefully as we began to walk around. There are [what some may consider] many stairs at the beginning of the tour, but it ultimately leads to a breathtaking view of nature. Thick trees, a grassy green hill, and a wide-open sky lay before guests. While I did feel a strong sense of tranquility, keep in mind that one of the first things you hit is the “Bob Marley Trading Post” or gift shop. In the eyes of some, the museum is quite commercialized.
The first rooms of the actual home that visitors enter are a living room type set up with some pieces from Marley and his mother’s lives. He lived in the house as a child before eventually moving to Kingston as a teen. His mother was fantastic at sewing and so there are some dolls that she made on display. There are also some family photographs on display hanging on the walls. The home is quite modest, but some items definitely stand out, such as the family piano and the numerous accolades noted by gold records hanging on the wall.
After visiting the mausoleums (see below) guests can see one of the major highlights of the tour, Marley’s childhood bedroom. It is incredibly tiny and features his original little twin bed where he slept. There’s also the opportunity to lay one’s head on the smooth(ish) rock where he would relax and look for inspiration. In fact, it was much of the inspiration for his song, Talkin’ Blues!
The Mausoleums – The History of Bob Marley Museum and Memorial
The somber part of our tour was also the most beautiful. Bob Marley is buried at Nine Mile, his childhood home, with his half brother and mother. There is something touching and poignant about that. A place where he found so much inspiration for his music is where one of the greatest musicians, a true icon, lies in eternal piece. Where Bob Marley once laid his head on a rock, looking for inspiration for songs, he now lies his head in death. The walk is slightly uphill and the area where the family is laid to rest is nicknamed, “Mount Zion.”
Cedella Booker
When taking the tour, first guests will visit the mausoleum of his mother, Cedella Booker. She was nineteen years old when she gave birth to Robert “Nesta” Bob Marley. Marley was often picked in on school because his father was white. He served as a British Naval Captain and was nearing sixty years old when he shacked up with Cedella.
Bob
After paying respects to Ms Booker, guests are ushered to Bob Marley’s mausoleum. His mausoleum is really huge and takes up the whole small room, but guests have plenty of space of encircle it, touch it, and pray in orderly fashion. The walls surrounding the tomb have beautiful stained glass windows. It was truly a humbling experience to pay my respects to the man whose music is such a fond part of my childhood, in a place where he spent his own childhood. It’s a memory of my travels that I feel exceedingly lucky to have experienced.
Guests are expected to remove their shoes when entering the mausoleum. There is a garden which proclaims, “Bob Lives” outside of the tombs and the feeling with so much lush vegetation around is generally quite uplifting.
There is a performance featuring three or four of Marley’s hit songs performed by a cover band and even the tour guides generally get in on the fun and begin singing along. Our tour guide was exceptional. He was as gifted story teller, incredibly witty and comical, and a wealth of knowledge.
It’s important to note that your tour guide will expect a tip. Not in a shy way, either. He will literally ask you for his tip at the end, so make sure that you have it readily available.
The star of the Bob Marley Museum: The Weed.
Holy shit, guys. I was not expecting there to be so much marijuana on this trip to Nine Mile however popular Marley might be with stoners. I thought for certain that drugs of any capacity were forbidden in Jamaica. In fact, I’m still not sure exactly what the deal is with marijuana. The answer largely depends on what you read and who you ask. According to Lonely Planet, possession of up to two ounces of pot is not a criminal offense as of 2015. Medical marijuana has been legalized.
However, I’d still use an abundance of caution when and if you decide to procure weed in Jamaica. It’s largely still prohibited even though it’s been decriminalized. At best you’ll pay a hefty fine, at worse you’ll see the inside of a Jamaican prison. There’s also concern for not knowing the true potency of the weed which can lead tourists to act recklessly.
It gets better
Inside of Nine Mile and inside of the Bob Marley property, I can only tell you that the smoking, drinking, and consumption of marijuana is not only celebrated, but encouraged. From nearly the moment guests enter, you’re offered the opportunity to purchase joints. Not in a pushy way at all just in a happy, “hey man — we can do this here, it’s what Bob would have wanted,” type of way. In fact, everyone is supremely happy at this place. It’s a fantastic way to spend the afternoon.
When I calmly questioned the legality, one Rasta brewing some marijuana tea from a crude, wooden shack, reassured me that in Nine Mile, there are special provisions for marijuana usage due to its historic roots and Marley’s legacy. From what I understand, marijuana is legalized for Rastafarians when used for sacramental purposes. Many of the staff are Rastafarians and so probably feel a sense nonchalance when smoking the stuff. He offered a cup with a warm, comforting, smile on his face, but I politely declined. It was fascinating enough to watch him in action, lovingly crafting his tea.
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