Gaborone — Bob Marley's birthday which fell on Wednesday, will be celebrated at Karibu Tena Garden in Tlokweng this Saturday as part of the Black History month events scheduled to take place throughout this month.

February is observed as a black history month worldwide because it was during this month in 1807 that slavery was first abolished and black people were set free.

The organizers of this event said they saw it fit to include Bob Marley's birthday into the series of celebrations because he was not only a reggae icon but a human rights activist who stood up for the rights of black people.

"Bob Marley was all about equality. He was very vocal about the development of third world countries and stood up for the rights of black people not only in the United States but worldwide," said Kopano Mantswe of Stepping Razor who is one of the organizers.

This party will bring together DJ's such as DJ Mokgalagadi and Nahum who are expected to play mainly the Jamaican legend's tunes.

Although his work has stretched across nearly two decades it still remains fresh and universal. Some of his songs include Get Up stand Up, I shot the sheriff, Revolution and No woman no cry which he did with the Wailers. The show will start at 9pm.

The next event which is scheduled for Saturday 16 is a poetry session from 2 to 7 pm. A University of Botswana lecturer will also grace the show and give a lecture on Black History month.

"Dr Mazile is not only an educator but she also studied in the United States where black history month started," Mantswe said.

The last item scheduled in observance of black history month is the live concert where the likes of Stepping Razor, Mapetla, DT, Scar and Jah Revelation Sounds are scheduled to perform.

Bingi Vibes, a local production and promotion company based in Tlokweng, Motshe wa Badimo which facilitates cultural exchanges in black Africa, Khumo ya Ngwao which deals with minority communities publishing and Rastafarian community have put up the events.BOPA