Aloha! Bob Marley at 80 — Valentine and Presidents Day in paradise

Another gem will be added to the crown of the king of reggae when Hawaii hosts a trifecta celebrating Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and Jamaica’s Robert Nesta Marley’s 80th anniversary.

The crowned jewel for marking Hawaii Fest — a two-day treasure trove of music and culinary delights — a triple treat is expected to lure royals, loyals and burgeoning fans of the genre the legend advanced to global acclaim.

Slated to be held at Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu, the irie island vibe is expected to prevail throughout the holiday period, with Valentine’s Day celebrations and President’s Day commemorations. Black History Month will be in full effect, and alluring cultural activities will add bragging rights to the Pacific location from Feb. 15-16.

The global assembly will primarily focus on honoring the legacy of the Rastafarian legend, who died on May 11, 1981, at age 36. However, his octogenarian status will be regaled as the centerpiece of the anticipated event.

His second oldest son, Stephen, is expected to introduce the first USA-curated birthday tribute.

Moreover, male offspring —Kymani and Julian, are expected to represent the dynasty.

Grandson YG is also billed on the family-friendly program.

Ironically, last year, the eight-time Grammy-winning producer also imprinted his musical acumen on the genre when he collaborated with his siblings for a Valentine’s Day premiere of the “One Love” feature film dedicated to his father, the cultural icon.

Organizers claim that in addition to the tribute, the festival will incorporate local sounds and feature contributors to eclectic, heritage music.

“We want to express that Hawaii Fest is truly all about Hawaii,” Jonelle Layfield, a spokesperson, said.

“Our festival has been crafted to celebrate the rich and vibrant island culture and the music that unites us.” With that intent, reggae and dancehall talent Sean Paul, rhythm and blues singer Ashanti, J Boog, JaRule, Spawnbreezie, CuhDeeJah, and Hawaii’s Kolohe Kai, Natural Vibrations, Ana Gee, and Kanaka Fyah will provide testament to their crafts while hailing the avowed first Third World Superstar.

Needless to say, food will be integral to the celebrations. Therefore, a prominent chef has been commissioned to curate and provide a menu of island-inspired dishes made from locally sourced farms. Marley’s 80th will be honored in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England, Jamaica, and throughout the United States beginning on Feb. 1 in Bethesda, Maryland.

Reportedly, others will culminate with many concerts, contests, radio salutes, TV documentaries, and other tributes on his Feb. 6 birthday anniversary.

George Clinton inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame

Funk master George Clinton seems to be having a winning start to the year. Already a contender in next month’s Grammy award ceremonies in the spoken word category, Clinton was recently named among six inductees to the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame.

As one of the pioneers of funk (along with James Brown and Sly Stone), Clinton spearheaded Parliament Funkadelic, a virtual hit-making machine band.

He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

In 2019, Clinton received the Grammy Lifetime Award, and at age 83, he is winning accolades for his timeless creations, which include “Atomic Dog,” “Give Up The Funk,” “Flashlight,” and other classic recordings.

The Songwriter’s induction ceremony will be held June 12 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel.

Along with the funkmeister, The Doobie Brothers, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Rodney Jerkins, Ashley Gorley, and Tony Macaulay will also be honored.

Catch You on the Inside!