Grammy Museum director makes plans for Marley home

Shereita Grizzle, Sunday Gleaner Writer

"I thought this house (Bob Marley Museum) was such an important part of not just Jamaican culture, but world musical culture, so if we were going to have the first Grammy Museum affiliate, it had to be here."

Those were the words of the director of the Grammy Museum, Bob Santelli, as he explained the reason behind selecting the Bob Marley Museum as an affiliate of his organisation.

Santelli flew into the island for the official Grammy Museum presentation after an announcement of the decision was made on the reggae legend's 69th birthday in February.

The presentation took place at an intimate ceremony at the official residence of the late reggae icon on Old Hope Road in Kingston on Friday.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Gleaner, Santelli revealed that the initial idea came about because of the local museum.

"It really began thanks to the Bob Marley Museum because a couple of years ago, we came to Ziggy (son of the reggae legend) and said, 'We would like to do an exhibit on Bob Marley, but we need your help'," he said.

Santelli went on to explain that he received artefacts from the Bob Marley Museum as well as personal belongings from the children of the famous Marley that were brought to the United States for showing at the museum in Los Angeles.

MARLEY EDGE

The Grammy Museum director said other museums were up for consideration, but explained that a democratic process gave the Bob Marley Museum an edge.

"We took a vote and the board said it was a good idea."

Santelli also mentioned that following the Marley Museum's affiliation, there would be two others, including the Ray Charles Museum in Los Angeles to be named by year end.

The Grammy museum director said the affiliation means that both museums are now a part of a bigger musical family and hopes that the partnership will prove mutually beneficial.

"We are now first cousins. It means we have a relationship that I hope will be a two-way street," he said.

Santelli is spending his time on local soil in serious planning, finalising what artefacts to bring to Jamaican shores first.

"Myself, Neville Garrick and Marie Bruce and the staff here are going through, making suggestions and bringing our expertise on how we can go forward. Plus, we did a lot of interviews with famous artistes for the exhibit, which we are going to donate to the museum," he said.

The artefacts are scheduled to start arriving in the island as early as next week and will continue throughout the year.

General manager at the Bob Marley Museum, Marie Bruce, said the anticipation for the exhibit is growing. She described the affiliation as "another gold for Jamaica" and said it will mark another iconic moment for the country's rich cultural legacy.

shereita.grizzle@gleanerjm.com

Contributed Photos