"Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I am not perfect and I don't live to be. But, before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean." This most poignant quote is from the late Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley. On February 6, he would have celebrated his 67th birthday. So to honour his legacy, Youthlink asked artistes from different spheres to share their views on the life and work of the man who produced authentic, beautifully orchestrated, emotion-filled music which has travelled the four corners of the earth and touched the lives of many - regardless of gender, nationality, race or religion.

Sean Lypher

Do you have a favourite Bob Marley song?

Most definitely! My favourite Bob Marley track is Natural Mystic. It's a song about life's reality and why there is so much pain and struggle here on earth. It's a good, clean song with a bass line that is undeniably 'sick'!

As a gospel artiste, has Bob Marley in any way been an inspiration to you and your ministry?

"Yes, Bob Marley is an inspiration for my music and ministry. He has contributed greatly to the face of reggae music for which Jamaica is known worldwide, and I would love to make a similar contribution to gospel reggae/dancehall. I'm also inspired by him to aim at becoming an essential figure in the development of the genre of music I write for, like he did in pioneering reggae music.

Bob Marley had been critical of the Church and its operations on quite a number of occasions. How do his criticisms make you, a follower of Jesus Christ, feel?

Bob is of Rastafarian belief and I am in a relationship with Jesus Christ. His criticisms will never affect my faith in Christ but only help me to examine myself, become a better person and represent Christ so that others may come to know the real King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

Everaldo Creary of Nomadz

If you could perform a tribute in memory of Bob Marley, what four songs would make up your set list?

1. Easy Skanking

2. Could You Be Loved

3. Simmer Down

4. Rise Above Profanity

Bob Marley has been hailed as a messenger. Explain just how much of an influence he has had on your life as a performer and as a man.

His impact on me as a man has been positive. He taught [me] the success of family and the confidence of a mountain lion. Another valuable lesson he taught was that you will always know a person by what he or she perpetuates. His impact as a performer has also been positive. He taught me, through his lifestyle, to always be original because that is the only way to create roots music indigenous to Jamaica. This will result in Jamaican [reggae] music being culturally progressive and outstanding when presented to the world.

What would be one question, given the chance, that you would have asked Bob Marley?

I would have asked him to tell me who and who him see in the next life. He would probably say Jesus or Miss Lou (lol).

Raine Seville

What is your favourite Bob Marley song?

Wow, it's very hard to have one because all his songs impact me in a different way. At the moment, Redemption Song is the first to come to mind.

In what way is this song significant to you?

Redemption Song represents freedom and encourages strength. Bob delivered that song/message in such a heartfelt way that we all had to listen and agree/connect to the message! The simplicity yet effectiveness of the video definitely got my attention. My favourite quote from the song would have to be, "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mind".

How did you feel at last year's staging of the Youth View Awards when you performed a tribute to the reggae icon?

It was an honour, I was humbled. However, it was a major challenge as I felt the need to live up to his high standards as an entertainer, a messenger and an icon! In prepping for that performance, I watched Bob Marley's performances all week, I studied the lyrics carefully and took note of his stage presence in order to give an effective [live] performance just as he would have.

Etana

Quote a line from your favourite Bob Marley song and explain what it means to you.

"Yeah we been treading on a wine press much too long rebel, rebel, Babylon system is a vampire//Sucking the blood of the suffera." To me, it means that it is better to be independent of those who use, abuse and oppress in any way. To gain financial power, people are used all over the world, much like robots to build empires for the rich to get richer, and the poor is forced to go back home to poverty.

How much of an impact does Bob Marley have on the music you choose to pen and deliver?

Bob Marley's music is like food to my soul. In his stories and music I find a lot of truth and I believe once you have the power of media, you should use it to the best of your ability to do good. What I've also learnt from Bob's music is that it's important to deliver truth, inspiration and hope.

If Bob were alive today, do you think he would be happy with the present condition of reggae music?

I think he'd be disappointed that the message and heart of the music are not as strong as it used to be. Though there were negatives around in his days, to me, there was much more love for the music than for money and hype. He would be proud of a few, though, so all is not lost.