Tarrus Riley, Bongo Herman hail longevity of Bob Marley One Love Festival
Published:Saturday | March 8, 2025 | 12:08 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Reggae icons Tarrus Riley and Bongo Herman hailed the longevity of the Bob Marley One Love Football Festival, after both were honoured at the 43rd staging of the event at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium on Wednesday.
Riley, noted that his father, Jimmy Riley, was close friends with the legendary Boy Marley and had always supported the Bob Marley One Love Football exhibition, and that it is only natural for him to continue supporting the event.
“Bob Marley and my father were friends and Bob Marley’s family and my family were close. We (Riley family) are always supporting father ‘Busy’ (Clive Campbell - organiser) dealing with this thing (event). From Jump Street until now. It is always good to come out and support.
“This is a friendly link-up and it is all about that. It is a win-win, a no-brainer. So I didn’t have to think about it. I just know it is the right thing,” he said.
He added that: “Anything about Bob Marley is top class and quality and stands for something. Bob Marley was a no-nonsense person,” he said.
Herman, who grew up playing football and music with Bob Marley in Trench Town, expressed his appreciation at being honoured and hopes the event continues to live on for years to come.
“It (award) means a lot to me. Bob Marley was my friend and we grew up in Trench Town. We played ball most of the time and when we were not, we were in the studio.
“I thank brother ‘Busy’ for what he has done. He must keep on doing what he is doing. He has come a long way and must never stop.
“It’s good to see it’s still going and keeping the unity. I feel very proud and that is why I am here today,” he commented.
Meanwhile, Christian Ambassadors, with a superior goal difference, emerged winners of the Bob Marley One Love trophy ahead of Entertainers on goal difference, after both teams ended with six points after two wins each. Referees and Masters and Celebrities, the other two teams, ended with three points each.
Christian Ambassadors coach Frederick Hemmings said there was one negative as the introduction of the trophy made the games less friendly and much more competitive than usual.
“I didn’t like that. It made a difference because the games got rough. It wasn’t friendly with some of the tackles and the referees tried their best.
“But it is very important to us to be part of this occasion because we get a chance to share the gospel. We are positive people and we get the word out. Campbell has always said he needs the spirituality. So he needs Christian Ambassadors to be there,” he stated.
Also in attendance was Olympian Juliet Campbell, a representative of sponsor PUMA, and Sunshine Snacks brand manager Shantell Hill Alfonso.