Bob Marley is one of the best known ska and reggae artists in the world. His songs have been playing since they were released, and it’s safe to say that he will continue to do so for a long time. Beyond being a popular recording artist, he was an outspoken activist against war and civil rights, and his music was often how he conveyed that message. He is not only a beloved historical figure, but also very easily recognizable and therefore a wonderful idea for a Halloween or costume party.
If you’re doing a Bob Marley impression, the first thing you’ll need to master is the Jamaican accent. Unless you’ve spent a lot of time around people who speak it, or have listened to it a lot, this can be one of the hardest accents to learn. If you are committed to impersonating and not just dressing like Bob Marley, you may want to get a tape or book that can help you learn vowel and consonant substitutions. While learning an accent, it helps to be close to it and listen to it a lot. So, look for a good Reggae music station, and you’ll likely hear some Jamaican patios between tracks. The general feeling of Bob Marley’s speech is one of careful choice of words and a clear intention that is communicated. You can find clips of audio recordings of interviews with him online.
When it comes to clothing, Bob Marley preferred the loose and comfortable clothing of his generation. For a costume, any baggy t-shirt and pants will work. The most significant part of her personal style was her hair and hats. Bob Marley, in classic Rastafarian fashion, wore his hair in dreadlocks. While the length of his dreadlocks often changed throughout his career, they were always there, and there are plenty of photos of him in different styles. One of the most popular styles that she wore when taking a lot of photos is very long and thick dreadlocks. There are many photos that have been copied and turned into lithographs and other prints and can be found on the internet or in stores for reference. They often show him in a brightly colored knit hat, often the colors of the African or Jamaican flag. If you already have dreadlocks, all you need to find is a knitted hat, but if you don’t have one, you may need to find a wig and a cap. There are some online stores that sell both together.
Once you have your hairstyle and simple wardrobe accessories, keep practicing your Jamaican accent and listen to or learn some of their most popular songs. These include, I shot the sheriff, Rastaman Vibration, Sun is Shining, One Love, and Satisfy my Soul. You may want to practice “Kinky Reggae” in your Jamaican patios and don’t forget to grab a joint on your way out the door.