One Love

For real Rastafarians, Bob never died...and I believe them, his music and legacy has become universal and that is what keeps him alive. Bob's music was heavily influenced by Jamaica's social, cultural and political unrest. He helped spread the word of the Rastafari Movement (a religious movement in his homeland Jamaica) and the notion of an "Africa United", with the hope of "One Love."

Bob Marley's mausoleum is found in the interior valleys of the Parish of St. Ann, in the small hamlet of Nine Mile. It's a two hour trip from Montego Bay, and the closer you get to Nine Mile, the rougher and narrower the roads become. His burial was also his birthplace and is considered sacred to the Rastafari. For $10-15 (depending on the season) you can take a tour of "Mount Zion" (the path leading up to the Marley house) while a knowledgable guide shares Bob's life with you, as well as some ganja which is legal within the gates of Nine Mile. You'll also run into locals trying to sell you pot and candles that you can leave in the Marley Mausoleum. 

The gates of Mount Zion

Warning: If a Rastafari approaches you and asks you if you want a tour of Bob Marley's "Plantation," say NO! It's a scam ran by locals, tricking tourists to think that it's part of the Marley tour. They take you to a nearby marijuana field (which isn't considered part of the compound) and tell you a lame story on how Bob once smoked here. Our trusty driver Colin shooed them away after we refused to pay the $20 per person they tried to harass us for.

The most interesting people we encountered were some of Bob's family who help maintain the compound, one of which was a carefree uncle who played the banjo for us while our guide serenaded us singing "don't worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright..."

Inside Bob's room

Bob's rock pillow

You can walk through Bob's simple two-room cottage and wander the courtyard, where you will find the infamous Rock Pillow that Bob used for inspiration (mentioned in his song "Talkin' blues").

Mama Marley's tomb

There are a few family tombs and two mausoleums on the property. The first mausoleum that you will enter is Mama Marley's, and the second is Bob's and his half brother's . Bob's crypt is on the bottom, and his brother's tomb is stacked on top of his, which was Mama Marley's wish that the brothers be buried together. Combined the two tombs are 6 feet above ground. Bob Marley died in 1981 at the age of 36 from a malignant melanoma found under his toe nail. Doctor's insisted he amputate his toe but because of religious beliefs he refused, and continued to tour. He fought it for 8 months but the cancer spread to his lungs and brain. Unfortunately no pictures are allowed in his Mausoleum. It's nothing extravagant, it was simple and respectable that one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century is buried in such humble surroundings. Even though we were closed off in a mausoleum, it didn't feel creepy at all, surprisingly it felt the complete opposite. The interior and tomb is all white, and sun shines through the stain glass window with the Star or David. It's a peaceful place, and shoes must be off while inside. 

"My music will go on forever. Maybe it's a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever." -Bob Marley

I loved it here, and since Marley is synonymous with Jamaica, I don't think your trip is complete unless you visit Nine Mile. R.I.P. Bob, you really are timeless.

For more info on the rest of my stay in Jamaica CLICK HERE, and you'll be directed to my sister blog, "The Long Weekenders".