Music superstar, Lauryn Hill, surprised concert-goers during the 35th anniversary of reggae music icon Bob Marley’s debut on the Apollo stage. The evening also included matchless performances by reggae veterans Third World and Maxi Priest, Marley’s longtime band and collaborators The Wailers, and his son Ky-Mani Marley.
The “One Love: A Bob Marley Tribute Concert” was held Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, at the Apollo Theater in Harlem with two big blowout concerts. reggae music’s biggest artists performed Marley’s signature numbers including Maxi Priest, whose effortless blend of reggae, R&B and dancehall led him to become the first reggae artist to have a number one hit worldwide; Marley’s son Ky-Mani Marley who, a star in his own right, is an accomplished musician, singer-songwriter and actor; reggae ambassadors Third World, one of the most legendary reggae bands of all time, most known for their hits “Now That We Found Love” and “Try Jah Love;” The Wailers who together with Bob Marley have sold more than 250 million albums worldwide and are considered one of the most successful bands in reggae music history.
Grammy Award-winning songstress Lauryn Hill sent the Apollo audience into a frenzy when she joined The Wailers on stage, performing rousing renditions of Marley’s “Could This Be Love,” “Zimbabwe,” “Is This Love,” as well as one of her own big hits “Doo Wop.” All artists came together at the end of each show to perform Marley’s seminal classic “One Love.”
In October of 1979, Bob Marley made his Apollo Theater debut for a multi-night series of concerts. The sold out concerts remain one of the highlights and milestones Apollo’s rich 80-year legacy and will be remembered for the energy and excitement it brought to Harlem.
