Ghana’s Cape Coast Castle to feature in Bob Marley documentary

Ghana’s historical edifice, the Cape Coast Castle will play an important role in the opening shot of the upcoming Bob Marley official documentary titled ‘Marley’.

The Cape Coast Castle was chosen to feature in ‘Marley’ because of the historical role it played during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. It is also to show the reggae legend’s ancestral slave roots.

“The opening shot of the film will feature a tour of Cape Coast Castle, a fortification in Ghana that contains the infamous “Door of No Return” through which many Africans passed before being shipped into slavery”, Los Angeles Times reported citing the film director and Oscar-winner, Kevin Macdonald on February 8, 2011.

Macdonald also gave a personal reason for choosing the castle. The director of the “Last King of Scotland” told the LA Times, “I want to suggest the idea that his ancestors passed through the “Door of No Return” and that his music is trying to come home again spiritually, psychologically and politically”.

Ghanabusinessnews.com reported on Thursday, February 3, 2011 that Ghana has been selected among five other countries including Japan, United Kingdom, Jamaica and the United States to stage a documentary about the legendary Bob Marley.

“When completed, ‘Marley’ will be the first time ever that his family has authorized the use of their own private Bob Marley archives”, the website ComingSoon.net indicated.

Even though there are no reports of the major characters in the documentary, a blogger with the Black Entertainment Television (BET), Clay Cane said “At one point Jaime Foxx had the role but he fell off due to legalities on who owns the rights of Bob Marley’s music but believes that “A few actors who I think could do Marley justice are Jeffrey Wright, Michael Ealy and Idris Elba”.

The film will receive a world wide theatrical release in the third quarter of 2011, during the 30th anniversary year after Bob Marley passed away in 1981.

The film is been produced by Tuff Gong Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment in association with Cowboy Films.

Steve Bing, Chris Blackwell and Ziggy Marley are the Executive producers.

Considered a true legend, Bob is one of the most influential singers, songwriters, musicians and activists in history as well as famous Jamaican singer and songwriter

Generally credited as having popularized reggae music on a global scale, Bob Marley was the lead singer and guitarist of The Wailers from 1974 up until his death in 1981.

His biggest hits include tunes like “No Woman, No Cry,” “Jamming,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” and the posthumous release “Buffalo Soldiers” (among several others).

His compilation album, Legend (also released following Marley’s death from skin cancer at age 36) remains the best-selling reggae album to date, according to the site.

By Ekow Quandzie