Bob Marley – How Reggae Changed the World is a show that is not only thought-provoking but stirs emotion too. In an intimate set up, singer/songwriter Duane Forrest calls attention to your eyes, ears and heart as he performs songs such as No Woman, No Cry and other reggae classics. Just one man and his guitar, yet his voice – so powerful and organic – inspired a sense of calmness of the mind and I couldn’t help but fixate on the sound; it was almost entrancing.
I left this show with a full heart and an educated mind
Based on Forrest’s musical ability alone, the show is already brilliant, but the information he shares about the roots of reggae; Bob Marley’s life; the meaning behind certain songs, and what these songs mean to him personally and many others, makes it much more than a musical performance. It feels like a historical lesson, a love letter to not only the genre of reggae and Bob Marley but also to a younger Duane Forrest who struggled to embrace his Black, Jamaican heritage yet sought self-acceptance and self-love through his love for Bob Marley and his music.
If I could use a Bob Marley quote to describe the show ‘Let’s get together and feel alright’ comes to mind. Forrest encourages the crowd to join in to ‘get together’ creating a genuine connection between performer and viewer, and you certainly feel more than ‘alright’ by the end.
Forrest plays classic Bob Marley songs in a stripped back yet passionate way, adding his own flare to each song. For such a small set up it will amaze you how touched you feel by the end.
I left this show with a full heart and an educated mind – Forrest really uses his vocal talent to pass on his knowledge and love for reggae to others. My only complaint was that I didn’t want it to end!
More people should know about this show, it was touching, and Duane Forrest truly has an awe-inspiring musical talent.
