TRIBUTE TO BOB MARLEY

SAN DIEGO — In celebration of Black History Month and the late Bob Marley’s birthday, Burning Spear and his Burning Band and Moja Nya will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at North Park Theatre. The 6th annual event will commemorate Marley’s impact on reggae music.

Marley became best known for song hits such as “Simmer Down” and “Rude Boy” and later albums “Catch a Fire” and “Natty Dread.” He was influenced by American R&B; when he joined with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, forming the group Bob Marley and the Wailers. He died in 1981 in Florida from cancer.

“Bob Marley wanted to merge all cultures and colors into one,” said Makeda Cheaton, artistic director for Prophet Worldbeat Productions, sponsor of the event. “We feel it is our job to carry this on. Music and art is the weapon of the future.”

Winston Rodney (known as Burning Spear), who is from Marley’s home town, St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, will headline the evening’s festivities.

Also performing will be Moja Nya, a New York-based Caribbean group. The group produces their own brand of music dubbed urban tropical rock. There will also be a special guest performance by the Diamano Coura West African Dance Troupe, now based in San Diego.

Tickets are on sale at Teleseat outlets.