Remake Of Bob Marley’s ‘Get Up Stand Up’ With Wiz Khalifa Gets Mixed Views From Reggae Fans
American singer/songwriter Nakkia Gold’s remake of Bob Marley’s version of the Wailer’s 1973 hit song Get Up, Stand Up, featuring rapper Wiz Khalifa, has been met with mixed views on the Gong’s Instagram page.
Get Up, Stand Up was written by Marley and Peter Tosh and originally appeared on The Wailers’ 1973 album Burnin’. Solo versions have also been recorded by Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. It was later included on Marley’s iconic Legend compilation album.
It was the lead single on the Burnin’ album and is described as “a signature song with a more confrontational and militant tone than previous records”.
Gold’s version which is titled Justice (Get Up stand Up) has been described in a release carried by the Associated Press as “a rebirth of the militant anthem, which played an integral role in the fight for equality and human rights in 1973”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juiL1c9xxPM
According to the Associated Press release, “Justice (Get Up, Stand Up)” was played for Cedella Marley, who gave her full blessing for the use of her father’s iconic lyrics in this uplifting song, noting that she was proud that her father’s legacy continues to live on through his music.
“His message of peace and equality transcends, especially today, during these challenging times. I wish Nakkia the best in her new endeavor with Saban Music Group and only hope her message resonates during this time of much-needed change,” Cedella is quoted as saying.
A few days ago the announcement of the remake was made on Bob Marley’s official on Instagram page.
“Justice” (Get Up, Stand Up) with @nakkiagold @wizkhalifa & #bobmarley is out now! Stream it today on all platforms at the link in story,” it noted.
While many of the Reggae icon’s fans have cheered on the remake, there are several dissenting fans who believe the Reggae/Hip Hop cover, which features Marley’s voice, is a dishonor to his legacy.
Unlike the enthusiasm shown by some fans and Cedella for the new track, there were several critics who said they did not like the fact that Marley’s message was being diluted by artistes who they thought were undeserving with questionable talent.
Among them was savosavo1 who though the Marely’s image was being what he described as “purely watered down”.
“Sorry don’t see the connection,” was among the things he wrote.
He gained support from irafoggydew1982, who added:
“@savosavo1 me either. Bob spread the message of love. “We free the people with music” not violence or force. Shame some of his kids are ruining his message that had previously spread world wide. Sad to see… just low talent people trying to prophet off a legend,” he stated.
“Really. A profane mouthed rapper on Bob’s track. Not feeling it,” “ghanaba25 said of Khalifa.
Also agreeing that the production was unsuitable was tayo0o0o0.
“@savosavo1 same I even like wiz but this sounds bad, don’t think Bob would have liked this,” she said, while theeroyaltheartist declared: “This song ain’t doing Bob’s sample #justice 😭 who produced this?!”
Get Up, Stand Up has become famous for being the world’s biggest protest song, and played a key role in the struggle of black people in Apartheid South Africa, who were being oppressed by a white minority.
In 1988, the song was performed live by Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Tracy Chapman and Youssou N’Dour at an Amnesty International Concert for Human Rights.
According to whosampled.com, Get Up, Stand Up has been sampled in 45 songs including Crown The King by American rap group Migos, Book of Life by Common in 1994 and Git Up, Git Out by OutKast featuring Goodie Mob in 1994. It was also and covered in 27 songs and remixed in one.