Nana Rita, an endearment she acquire in Ghana, will accept the award on Friday,12th November, during the gala dinner to be held at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC.
The widow of reggae icon Robert ‘Bob’ Nesta Marley and an artist in her own right, Nana Rita has an extensive career of advocacy and talent that spans the globe.
The Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award is presented each year to an outstanding individual whose life work demonstrates a commitment to the principles of human empowerment and unity of people of African descent. Previous recipients include reggae artist Jimmie Cliff, Slinger Francisco, also known as ‘The Mighty Sparrow’, and Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert of Toots and Maytals.
As the executive director and founder of both the Bob Marley Foundation and the Rita Marley Foundation, Nana Rita has been instrumental in solidifying her husband’s iconic status and empowering youth in Africa and Jamaica.
She transformed the Bob Marley house into the Bob Marley Museum, manages the renowned Tuff Gong International recording company, and has been recognized for her stellar voice as a member of the legendary I Threes.