Published By: Sayan Paul

Bob Marley's Birth Anniversary: The Late Musician's Love For Football & How It Fueled His Creativity

Growing up in Jamaica, Bob Marley was incredibly passionate about football. In fact, his love for the game shaped his music.

"Football is Freedom." - Bob Marley.

Bob Marley brought the sounds of Jamaica to the world stage – and more than ‘music’, it was a message of hope, dreams, and unity for millions worldwide. But there was another side to him that often gets overlooked - it's his love for football, which, in a way, fueled his creativity. For him, football was a "whole skill to itself... A whole world. A whole universe... freedom." And whenever he had some free time - be it before going to the stage or in between his recording sessions - he would play football as it gave him the 'kick' that he needed. As the late singer-songwriter had himself once said to a journalist, "If you want to get to know me, you will have to play football against me." 

(Credit: Bob Marley)

One of the pioneers of 'reggae', Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, and breathed his last on May 11, 1981. Today, as we remember him on his 80th birth anniversary, let's discuss his love for football, and how it fueled his music.

How it all began

As you may know, football (or soccer) is the soul of Jamaican culture. And hence, growing up in Jamaica, Marley developed his passion for the game at an early age. He often played it with his friends on the streets and fields.

According to many, it was football that shaped Marley's philosophy of 'unity', which, he would advocate for throughout his life.

(Credit: Bob Marley)

Passion for the game... but not more than his music

Marley was always in the spotlight thanks to his music. For him, football was a way to relax and connect with his inner self. As Raheel Ashraf wrote in his report on BBC Sport, "Whenever he got the chance, he would have a kickabout - whether that was in between studio sessions before he went on stage, or playing in the park with his friends."

Carl Brown, a stalwart in Jamaica's football culture and a close friend of Marley, shared in one of his interviews, "I remember Bob would play at Boys’ Town from eight in the morning right back to three o’clock. Playing for Boys’ Town is the wish of every young boy growing up in Trench Town. To tell you the truth, I couldn’t figure out which Bob loved more, music or football.”

Dennis Morris, Marley's photographer, shared in an interview with BBC Sport, "Watching him play football was magical. I never really took photos of him while he played football because I really just wanted to watch him play. Because it was his joy, and it was the only time he had to relax, so that was really when I would put the camera down."

Marley not only played football but was also a massive fan of Brazilian club Santos and the legendary footballer Pele.

(Credit: Bob Marley)

However, what's worth noting here is Marley was also a critic of certain aspects of football - and that's why he never put the game above music in his life. As he shared in an interview in 1980, "I love music and then football. Playing football and singing is dangerous because the football gets very violent. I sing about peace, love, and all of that stuff, and something might happen y'know. If a man tackle you hard it bring feelings of war."

How Football Fueled His Philosophy & Creativity 

Football was Marley's escape from the constant fame that he was 'burdened' with. Therefore, whenever he played the game, it helped him view the world differently - which would later fuel his creativity.

For instance, football was "life, hope, and freedom" for Marley - all these values were prominent in his music. Also, the spirit of teamwork that he learned on the field shaped his approach to collaborating (especially his 'The Wailers' band members) and creating music. Just watch any of his live performances, and you'll feel it.

Marley loved the idea of football being a medium of global connection. This was the inspiration behind his mission to unite people worldwide through his music. Therefore, his songs resonated with people regardless of age, language, or culture. Also, his love for football had direct references in several of his songs as well - works like "Rastaman Vibration" and "Exodus" are major examples.

(Credit: Historic Vids)

Moreover, Marley made sure that he was never separated from football. Watch Kevin MacDonald’s 2012 documentary, 'Marley', and you'll notice he is holding a soccer ball in every other frame. Also, in each of his music tours, he had a TV on his tour bus so he could watch football games while traveling. And he was always surrounded by football enthusiasts, such as Alan “Skill” Cole and Carl Brown.

(Credit: Universal Pictures UK)

It's also worth noting that many of Marley's songs have been associated with football clubs, fans, and major tournaments. For example, "Three Little Birds" is now the anthem of Ajax football club.

Rest in Peace, Marley. Thanks for Everything!

(References

Black History Month - Bob Marley's love affair with football: Raheel Ashraf

How Bob Marley's Love Of Football Made The Game Beautiful: Edd Norval

Bob Marley Two Loves – How Football Inspired His Music: Jeff Gorra)