Normally the mention of Africa in conversation invokes many different visuals. All the childhood dreams of actually going to Africa to see the amazing people and beautiful wildlife have now been overshadowed by the current affairs of the continent. A continent that continues to suffer from decades of exploitation by the wealthy. Where humans have been sacrificed for the pursuit of profit and now ad campaigns selling products in order to help people be socially conscious.
Stephanie Black a director of Life and Debt and H-2 Worker shares her vision of a continent that continues to take on an uphill battle to unify the nations of Africa in order to free Africans and provide them with a promising future. Stephanie follows the Marley family on their first trip to the capital of Ethiopia for the celebration of their father Bob Marley's 60th birthday and to perform in the concert Africa Unite. A concert providing inspiration to bring Africa together to fight against the struggles it faces and to remember a dream of Emperor Haile Salessie I.
The film begins to tell a story of Bob Marley's dream through his family members and the songs they perform of his during the concert. A few interviews from the Wailers provides a great insight to Bob's vision and a journey with the family through the capital shares how much of an inspiration Bob was to his family and a generation of Rastafarian's. While on this journey the family is accompanied by an elderly Rastafarian who never dreamed of actually visiting Zion. Through his enthusiasm the story of being a Rasta is revealed through the history of Emperor Haile Salessie I who stood against the wealthiest nations to ensure his people would be free of colonialism.
Unfortunately, at times the movie feel some of the more important messages of the story are over-shadowed by the fame of Bob Marley. The message of a generation who is inspired by new musicians such as Angelique Kidjo and the lyrics of the late Bob Marley. But, ultimately have to bring Unity to their people in order to solve Africa's problems. A story that speaks of these issues, but only touches the surface. Was this a tactic to draw a larger crowd by focusing on Bob Marley's birthday celebration? Maybe. However, the inspiring story of Emperor Haile Salessie I and the compelling speeches he delivered shed light on what it means to be a Rastafarian and a glimpse into what inspires a new generation of Africans.
Even though the story only touches the surface of Africa's issues it does offer inspiration to a continent that continues to suffer under the wealthiest of nations and corporations. A youthful voice working to create a better future with inspiring words from A story of a fight towards unity, peace, freedom, and equality amongst the nations of the world. An inspiring concert and a generation who wishes to no longer ignore the injustices of the World Bank, corporations, and nations of wealth. A country that wishes to truly be free and to take responsibility for their own actions as a unified nation. A continent that inspired artists such as Bob Marley to raise their voice on issues ignored by most and end up in the back sections of newspapers around the world.
All-in-all Stephanie Black tells an inspiring story of hope that spans for generations. A story that will eventually unfold with great triumph and move a continent from oppression to the forefront of global politics and equality. Africa Unite may over-shadow major issues with a celebrity icon, but shares a great vision that should be seen.