February 6th is Bob Marley’s birthday and Waitangi Day in New Zealand.

Robert Nesta Marley who brought One Love and reggae music to the world was born on this day in the town of Nine Mile in the parish of St. Ann’s in Jamaica. This is also New Zealand’s National Day, a day that recognizes the Treaty of Waitangi as the official document that established New Zealand as a country.

Bob Marley’s music has had wide-reaching influence. It’s Rasta spirit and message of social change resonates with the Maori people of New Zealand.

The Maori are the original inhabitants of New Zealand, a place they call Aoteoroa, “land of the long white cloud” in Maori speak. The signing of the Treaty happened in Waitangi in the Bay of Islands between the British crown and over 40 Maori chiefs on February 6th, 1840. There is still controversy to this day as to the real purpose of the treaty, its translation into Te Reo Maori and who actually benefits from it.

Katchafire – New Zealand band

Ruia & Ranea – Maori singers doing 3 Little Birds in Te Reo Maori

Bob Marley meets the Maori

Source:
http://www.bobmarley.com/history/