On 22 April 1978, an unforgettable moment in Jamaica’s political and musical history unfolded at the National Stadium in Kingston. The One Love Peace Concert, headlined by reggae icon Bob Marley, was more than just a night of music—it was a powerful symbol of hope and unity during one of Jamaica’s most violent and divisive political periods.

A Nation in Turmoil

The late 1970s in Jamaica were marked by intense political rivalry between the People’s National Party (PNP), led by Prime Minister Michael Manley, and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by Edward Seaga. This rivalry spilled over into the streets, where politically aligned gangs battled for control, leaving a trail of bloodshed and fear across the island. In the midst of this unrest, music—particularly reggae—became a vehicle not just for expression, but for healing and mobilisation.

The Vision Behind the Concert

Conceived by Jamaican music promoters and gang leaders from opposing political factions—most notably Aston “Bucky Marshall” Thompson and Claudius “Claudie” Massop—the One Love Peace Concert aimed to bring a temporary ceasefire to the chaos engulfing the island. Their goal was ambitious: use the universal language of music to bridge the bitter divide and inspire peace.

Bob Marley, who had been living in self-imposed exile in London following an assassination attempt in 1976, was persuaded to return to Jamaica for the concert. His presence alone was monumental, but what he would go on to do during the event turned the night into a defining chapter in Jamaica’s story.

The Defining Moment

The concert featured performances from some of reggae’s biggest names—Peter Tosh, Jacob Miller, Culture, Dennis Brown, Robbie Shakespeare and more. But it was Marley’s set, and one moment in particular, that etched the event into global memory.

Midway through his performance of “Jammin’,” Marley called both Manley and Seaga onstage. In a spontaneous and spine-tingling act, he joined their hands above his head—an image that became instantly iconic. Though the handshake did not end the violence overnight, it symbolised the possibility of unity in a time of overwhelming division.

Impact and Legacy

While the political violence did not immediately cease, the One Love Peace Concert remains a touchstone for Jamaican cultural and political history. It reminded a nation—and the world—of the transformative power of music, and the courage it takes to stand up for peace in the face of division.

The event also marked Marley’s reemergence on the global stage, paving the way for his Survival album and the Zimbabwe Independence Concert in 1980. His gesture on that Kingston stage continues to inspire generations of activists, artists, and everyday citizens seeking to use their voices for change.

A Moment Worth Remembering

Forty-seven years later, the One Love Peace Concert still resonates. It was not just a concert, but a bold statement: that even in the darkest of times, love, music, and unity can light a path forward.

As we mark the anniversary of this extraordinary event, we remember Bob Marley not only as a musical genius but as a peacemaker who dared to dream of a better Jamaica.