Incredible 7ft Bob Marley statue unveiled on Jamaica Street in Liverpool

14 September 2021, 11:37 | Updated: 25 September 2023, 13:05

The larger-than-life statue of Bob Marley was commissioned by the Positive Vibration Festival of Reggae.

An incredible 7ft statue of Bob Marley has been unveiled on Jamaica Street, in the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool.

The statue was made by sculptor Andy Edwards and commissioned by the Positive Vibration Festival of Reggae that took place last weekend.

Liverpool-born Urban Griot Levi Tafari headed up the ceremony on September 9 and read his poem 'Spirit Dancer', the Liverpool Echo reports.

"When you hear his music and words not only does your body dance, but your spirit dances also," Tafari said.

"Immortality isn't about living forever, but about leaving a legacy that will live forever and Bob Marley through his music and work has truly immortalised him and the statue is an example of that."

A festival spokesperson said: "Bob Marley is a cultural icon who is recognised and adored all around the world.

"More importantly, he is a symbol of peace, love and unity – all of which are needed more than ever right now.

"We hope the statue of Bob not only celebrates his ongoing legacy, but provides joy, happiness and inspiration to the people who come across and engage with it."

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Sculptor Edwards, who previously made the acclaimed statue of The Beatles on Liverpool’s Waterfront, added: "Peace is not having a lie-down, it’s a fight. It’s not something static like a word on a T-Shirt, it’s an action, an ongoing struggle.

"Every kind of peace throughout the world is under threat right now and we need our champions. We need Bob Marley and the power he summons at the centre of the ring again.

"We’re about to touch gloves with the toughest challenges humanity has ever faced and there’s only one way to meet that, with love and in unity."

Bob Marley's life and music will be celebrated in the new stage musical Get Up, Stand Up!, which opens next month in London.