Music-lovers and Carribean cultural connoisseurs from across Bahrain and the world are coming together this weekend to celebrate the birthday of the ‘King of Reggae’, writes Naman Arora.

A special Bob Marley Birthday Festival is set to take place tomorrow, February 6, at the Captain Jack’s restaurant in the Elite Seef Residence, highlighting Carribean culture to eager fans.

“We are hoping to have the biggest celebration of Carribean culture in Bahrain,” festival promoter Don Adonai told GulfWeekly.

“Ya man - Bahrain loves reggae and we loved finding out that there is a culture around it, so we had to include a local band – the Kushari Band with Abyooki.”

The headliner for the festival, which coincidentally falls on the exact date of Bob Marley’s birth in 1945, will be his first cousin Alex Marley, who is considered to also be reggae royalty.

He will be backed by the iconic Wailing Wailers, making for an authentic reggae experience.

In addition, Mo & Ali, from Amsterdam, who are often considered one of Bob Marley’s best tribute bands, will take the stage, alongside the Kushari Band, DJ Epic, DJ Shola, DJ Nesto and DJ Timo as well as international musical creators DJ Kriss Darlin and Double Trouble.

“My introduction to reggae was through Three Little Birds by Bob Marley and the Wailers,” Kushari Band lead performer Abyooki told GulfWeekly.

“I was in a dark place when I heard the song playing in a coffee shop. When I went home I played it again and again – it got me emotional and healed my inner child.

“Reggae music is that one drop of slowing down in the sea of the fast paced world around us – it comes in and tells us to slow down and enjoy every moment.

“I am honoured to showcase the influence Bob Marley made in reggae far beyond his time.”

The festival, organised by Miami Events, will be hosted on-stage by the UK’s legendary DJ/MC Andrew Bentley.

“Following the event’s sold-out success at Coral Bay all the way back in 2018, we have joined hands to make a bigger and bolder return, with an even more electrifying and unforgettable celebration of reggae music, Caribbean culture, and the legacy of Bob Marley,” Don added.

The festival will run from 1pm to 9pm, during which live entertainment will continue on stage, as more than 1,500 expected guests dance and mingle.

In addition, adding flavour to the vibes will be a Caribbean Brunch from 1pm to 5pm, curated by Chef Big Sho of Kingston 10, serving real authentic Caribbean dishes, as well as some unique fusion creations.

“Our chef Big Sho comes from an amazing culinary family, in fact, his father used to cook for Bob Marley himself!” Don, who also owns Kingston 10, added.

“Of course, jerk chicken is the most popular dish, but we will also be highlighting some Arab-inspired fusions like jerk shawarma and local fish since we find people are more comfortable starting out with something with which they are already familiar.”

A few tickets still remain for the brunch and festival, priced at BD25 per person, available via Platinumlist.