“SURVIVAL 76” CYPHER VIDEO FEATURING SKIP MARLEY, TIFA, AGENT SASCO,
TANYA STEPHENS, KABAKA PYRAMID, AND JO MERSA MARLEY NOW AVAILABLE ON TUFF GONG TELEVISION
TRACK PRODUCED BY ZJ SPARKS AND LOUD CITY
Tuff Gong International has partnered with Island Stage Magazine to release a brand new animated video for Bob Marley’s 1979 classic 11th album title track “Survival.”
The fresh visuals premiered on Tuff Gong Television today, following a full day of “Survival 76” themed programming that took place on February 6th to commemorate the iconic reggae star’s 76th earthstrong.
Survival 76 Cypher Skip Marley, Tifa, Agent Sasco, Tanya Stephens, Kabaka Pyramid & JoMersa Marley
Directed and animated by Xavier LeBlanc of Island Stage, the new clip gives the viewer a glimpse into the corner of a fan’s room that is adorned with all things Bob Marley and Survival, including a copy of the legendary album with cover artwork that depicts 48 African flags (and that of Papua New Guinea), in a call for solidarity among African nations.
At night, “things begin to happen,” according to the video’s Executive Producer, Susan Underwood. As items in the room begin to wake up and live, the King of Reggae’s urgent message can be heard flowing through the air, courtesy of the fan’s House Of Marley speakers:
In this age of technological inhumanity (Black survival)
Scientific atrocity (survivors)
Atomic mis-philosophy (Black survival)
Nuclear mis-energy (survivors)
It’s a world that forces lifelong insecurity (Black survival)
All together now
Of the video concept, LeBlanc and Underwood elaborated, “Bob Marley lives on within each of us, and he speaks to us through his music. We sought to capture that visually, while celebrating his legacy. There could not be a more appropriate time to do that than Bob’s 76th birthday celebration.”
The Survival album, originally released on October 2, 1979 via Tuff Gong / Island Records, carries an outwardly militant theme.
Containing some of Bob’s most crucial cuts like “Africa Unite,” “Zimbabwe,” “So Much Trouble In The World,” and the title track, it is clear that the reggae firebrand recognized the immediacy of those turbulent times.
As the world currently rages through a global pandemic, political unrest, and continued racial injustice, Marley’s mission is as relevant today as it ever was.
Evidenced by the robust earthstrong proceedings, the torch has been deftly passed to his numerous children and grandchildren. In addition to programming that focused on the importance of music, sports, health, cultural awareness, and social consciousness, Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob and Rita, and CEO of Tuff Gong International, also conceptualized the “Survival 76” cypher, which treated fans to a fiery new take on “Survival” that features Bob’s grandson, the twice Grammy-nominated Skip Marley, as well as grandson Jo Mersa Marley, and Jamaica’s top lyrical “shottas” Tifa, Agent Sasco, Tanya Stephens, and Kabaka Pyramid.
“We wanted to send a strong musical message that speaks to the times,”
said Cedella of the cypher video that can now bewathced below as well as Tuff Gong TV Channel on YouTube.
Bob Marley – Survival 76 (Animated Video)
The audio, which was produced by ZJ Sparks and Loud City, can be heard exclusively on the recently launched Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio on SiriusXM.
Other highlights from the “Survival 76” festivities included the traditional morning ceremonies — nyabinghi drummers and blowing of the abeng — at the Bob Marley Museum, as well as appearances and performances from Marcia Griffiths, Capleton, Richie Spice, Mortimer, Papa Michigan, Nadine Sutherland, Beenie Man, and the Marley Family.
“It’s always an honor and a joy to represent our Daddy’s legacy,” offered Stephen “Ragga” Marley, who delivered an electrifying set.
Added brother Ziggy, “we give thanks to the most high for the gifts our father left to the world, and we look forward to keeping the tradition alive for generations to follow. Jah Rastafari!“
#BobMarley #Survival76 #UnitedWeRise
