Starring The Marley Family, Danny Glover, Lauryn Hill
Written By:
Directed By: Stephanie Black
Studio: Tuff Gong/Palm
Buy on Amazon.com link

Africa Unite, a brilliant documentary featuring the Marley family and Danny Glover as they return to Ethiopia in 2005 for a 60th birthday celebration for their father, Bob Marley and the unification of Africa. Featuring performances by all the Marley brothers and Bob’s widow, Rita Marley and the I-Threes, this concert documentary is more a look back at the history of Ethiopia as a country and Bob Marley’s influences. Extras include over 50 minutes of performances from the Africa Unite concert from Ethiopia.

Returning to Africa as an entire family, The Marley’s took part in a week long record setting concert featuring a 12 hour concert that no other has seen. Three generations of Marley’s took part in the celebration of Bob Marley and Africa as they try and unite a nation that has been torn from violence, starvation, disease and death. Chronicling the history of Ethiopia and its Majesty, King Selassie, this documentary shows how the Rastafarian religion emerged and how it was a beacon of light for many nations. Featuring Danny Glover, who took part in the celebration on behalf of UNICEF, as their goodwill Ambassador, many of the film’s scenes involved spreading a positive message to the children of the nation and how it was that youth who must the propel that country out of its troubles. The finale of the documentary featured most of the concert’s performances but the majority of the songs were held to the extras on the DVD.

I still find it amazing that a family could bred so many fantastic musicians, but then again coming from one of the greatest artists of all time, it is no surprise. I enjoy the music of all the Marley Brothers: Ziggy, Stephen, Ky-Mani, Damian, and Julian to name a few, because there has to be more out there. All of the brothers are featured on the DVD performing at the concert and also are shown as they make their journey to Africa and then throughout the cities and villages visiting the local people. It has to be humbling as human beings to visit a place that worships their father and their higher power, King Selassie.

As I mentioned earlier in the review, extras included 50 minutes of additional performances including some Bob Marley classics song by his sons, Ziggy, Julian, Stephen, Ky Mani, as well as Rita Marley and his mother Cedella Booker. On top of that, you get interviews from the family on returning to Africa and discuss their father’s legacy.

Features:
50 Minutes of Exclusive Additional Concert Performances
Interviews with the Marley Brothers and Rita Marley
Excerpts From Africa Unite: Ghana
Archival Bob Marley Footage, New York City 1980
Photo Gallery

Audio:
2.0 and 5.1 Surround

Video:
Widescreen

Subtitles:

Favorite Scenes: All the concert footage from the Marley’s
Rating: NR
Running Time: 89 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: