VOA常速英语:New Album Pays Tribute to Bob Marley

Twenty-nine years after the death of reggae star Bob Marley, musicians around the world continue to celebrate his music.  A new tribute album to Bob Marley features performers from six different countries.

While the nine-member band Funkadesi is based in the U.S., there's no limit to their musical influences, including the Caribbean, Indian and Latin rhythms that flavor Bob Marley's "Real Situation."  Representing Europe, Africa, India, Jamaica and Latin America, Funkadesi was once praised by President Barack Obama, who commented, "I can't say enough [about] how energizing this band is."

Of course, energizing crowds with his message of world peace and harmony was a Bob Marley trademark.  Born in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, Marley rose to fame as a member of the '60s reggae group The Wailers, and later, as the leader of Bob Marley and The Wailers.  The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and, earlier this year, The Wailers' album, "Catch A Fire," featuring the track "Concrete Jungle," entered the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Brazilian newcomer Ceu sings Bob Marley's "Concrete Jungle" on  the Tribute To A Reggae Legend album.

Also featured on the compilation are South Africa's "Freshlyground," Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, and acclaimed reggae, hip-hop and African beat star Rocky Dawuni, dubbed "Ghana's Bob Marley."

Dawuni turns to Bob Marley and the Wailers' 1978 album "Kaya" for "Sun Is Shining."

The global reach of the Marley tribute CD includes a pair of Canadian vocalists, two groups from Hawaii, and the veteran string band from the northeastern U.S. called Northern Lights, who perform the Bob Marley classic, "Waiting In Vain."