Survival Tour
A global journey amplifying the voice of African unity and liberation through rhythm.
The Survival Tour was undertaken by Bob Marley & The Wailers in support of their twelfth studio album, Survival, released in 1979. This musical campaign coincided with an outwardly militant theme intended to counteract criticisms regarding the laid-back atmosphere of his previous release, Kaya. While the tour aimed to underscore the urgency of African unity—a concept Marley originally wanted to highlight by naming the album Black Survival—the project focused on delivering songs like "Africa Unite" and "Zimbabwe." The latter served as a hymn dedicated to the liberation struggle in Rhodesia and was notably performed at Zimbabwe's Independence Celebration in 1980, just after the official declaration of independence.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Year
- 1979
- Album supported
- Survival
- Theme
- Pan-African solidarity and political urgency
Lore & Background
The concept behind Survival emerged from a desire to address political urgency. Marley felt that his previous album, Kaya, had sidetracked the urgent message he wished to convey, leading critics to speculate on this shift toward a more militant tone. Originally titled Black Survival, the name was shortened to prevent misinterpretations of the theme. The musical content reflected Pan-African solidarity, most explicitly in "Africa Unite." The tour's spirit extended beyond standard concerts; it carried the weight of political statements, particularly regarding apartheid. In South Africa, where the album faced partial censorship due to the regime, the music itself became an act of defiance. The inclusion of the song "Zimbabwe" transformed these performances into historical markers, culminating in the actual performance at Zimbabwe's Independence Celebration in 1980.
Reader's Guide
For those studying this era, the focus is on the release year of 1979 and the specific tracklist that defined the Survival album. Key tracks include "Africa Unite," where Marley proclaims Pan-African solidarity, and "Zimbabwe." The personnel list for these recordings includes Bob Marley on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, with Aston "Family Man" Barrett on bass and Carlton Barrett on drums. Specialized drummers like Carlton "Santa" Davis played on "Africa Unite," while Mikey "Boo" Richards handled drums on "Wake Up And Live." The production team featured Bob Marley & The Wailers alongside Alex Sadkin, with mastering by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in NYC. The tour's visual legacy is preserved in the cover art and accompanying posters that featured flags of sovereign states like Cape Verde and Libya Jamahiriya, as well as non-sovereign regions like Western Sahara.
Did You Know?
- The front cover depicts 49 flags, including the flag of Papua New Guinea, with Zimbabwe represented by two political party flags (ZANU and ZAPU) rather than a national flag.
- Two non-sovereign regions featured on the tour poster were Réunion and Western Sahara.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary goal of the Survival Tour?
This tour promoted Bob Marley's eleventh studio album, Survival, released in 1979. It aimed to shift focus from the relaxed vibe of his previous work toward urgent political messages about African unity.
Which songs were central to the Survival Tour performances?
Key tracks included Africa Unite and Zimbabwe, which highlighted themes of solidarity and independence. These anthems underscored the militant tone Marley wanted for this specific era.
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