In 1973, during a tour stop in Haiti, Bob Marley and The Wailers encountered a reality far removed from the bright lights of the stage. The reggae legend witnessed firsthand the stark poverty and deep social injustice that gripped the island — scenes that would leave a lasting imprint on his heart and forever shape his music.
A tour that became a turning point
When music met reality
For Marley, touring was not only about sharing his music with the world — it was also about experiencing the world in all its beauty and hardship. Haiti, with its vibrant culture and resilient people, left him inspired but also deeply troubled. The inequality he saw there mirrored struggles he knew from his own upbringing in Jamaica.
From observation to action
Turning pain into a call for change
The experience stirred something in Marley — a determination to use his music as a weapon for justice. Soon after, he began crafting lyrics that would urge people everywhere to unite and stand up for their rights. His belief was simple yet powerful: music could be the spark that ignited social change.
The birth of an anthem
From Haiti to the world
It wasn’t long before Marley introduced the song that would become a rallying cry for generations: Get Up, Stand Up. Co-written with Peter Tosh, the track was a bold, unflinching call to action, urging listeners not to be passive in the face of oppression.
Why it still matters
A timeless message in every beat
Decades later, the words and rhythm of Get Up, Stand Up continue to inspire movements for justice around the globe. What began as a moment of personal awakening in Haiti became a universal call that still resonates today.