Dear Bob Marley, “Leaders Are Belly Full, But The Masses Are Hungry” In Nigeria (OPINION)

By Isaac Asabor

Typically, when an open letter, such as this, is sent to anyone it is often expected that it will be acknowledged. Unfortunately, the person I am sending this message to, who was invariably a global reggae maestro, is no other person than late Robert Nesta Marley, whose stage name as a musician in his earthly journey was “Bob Marley. Without a doubt, he will never give a reply to this open letter or message; except he does that in spirit but this writer is not spiritually endowed to know whether the message would be received and acknowledged in the spiritual realm as he is not a Necromancer (People who seek to communicate with the dead to obtain supernatural knowledge from beyond the grave).

Nevertheless, I must confess that I was stimulated to express this view in a letter format as May 11, 2024, precisely at 11.40am on Monday morning, May 11, 1981; which is exactly 43 years ago.  Having cleared myself from likely critics of this piece, kindly permit me to divulge the message been conveyed to Bob as he was simply called by reggae lovers all over the world.

Dear Bob Marley, though you left this wicked world exactly 43 years ago, but your song “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), from your album, Natty Dread which you released in 1974, is today unarguably finding expression, particularly in the context of Nigeria, as its theme is unarguably of corruption.

I love the song as it addresses the disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished, highlighting the struggles of the hungry and the marginalized, which can be seen as a reflection of the systemic corruption and societal issues present in many countries, particularly Nigeria.

Another song you  left for your fans as one of your lyrical legacies that also touches on the themes of corruption and social injustice is “Burning and Looting”, where you sang to world leaders about the consequences of authoritarianism, social inequality, and governmental abuse of power. Bob, though you left this world 43 years ago, but both songs of yours remain powerful and relevant as they continue to echo the sentiments of those affected by corruption and calling for awareness and action against such injustices. In fact, your music continues to inspire and unite people with its messages of protest and hope for a better future.

Against the foregoing backdrop, let me hail you by informing you that your song that resonates most with the theme of corruption, particularly in the context of Nigeria, is “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)”.

Without sounding panegyric in this context, “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)” is one of your songs that delves into the issues of poverty and inequality, and the song’s title itself is a poignant commentary on the state of society, particularly Nigeria, where there is a stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots.  As I was made to understand by one of your dyed-in-the-wool fans, despite the fact that you have left this world more than four decades ago, told me that the phrase “Them belly full” refers to those who are well-fed and lack nothing, while “We hungry” symbolizes the many who suffer from poverty and hunger despite the presence of resources.

He also explained that you were inspired in your earthly journey to write this song by your own experiences growing up in the poverty-stricken Trench Town in Jamaica. He said you saw the effects of poverty and hunger on individuals and communities, which fueled your passion for using music as a platform to raise awareness and inspire change.

The song’s chorus, “A hungry man is an angry man,” encapsulates the message that hunger can lead to discontent and social unrest. It is a reminder that basic needs must be met to maintain social harmony.

For instance, during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Lagos for the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations, some few months ago, there was a notable moment where the masses expressed their enthusiasm. The phrase “Ebin Pawa” was reportedly chanted by the people as a form of greeting or support during his arrival and engagements in the city.it was colloquially or mockingly used to pass a message to the president that there was hunger in the land, (and hunger still pervades across the land).

Bob, there is no denying the fact that you used your reggae music to fight for the oppressed, particularly as your rhythms and lyrics remain meaningful, thereby effectively speaking truth to power to a broad spectrum of leaders’ population across the world.  In fact, there is no denying the fact that your song’s catchy reggae melody paired with its powerful lyrics creates a lasting impact, making listeners feel a range of emotions from empathy to a sense of urgency to act.

Bob, it’s 43 years down the line since you left the world, continue to rest in peace, and always sing for the angels, as your songs continue to comfort us.

Above all, I will not fail to reiterate the fact in this uncanny letter that “Leaders are belly full, but the masses are hungry” in Nigeria.