Smile Jamaica Concert

Shot days before the show, Marley rolled up his sleeve to reveal his wound, telling 80,000 fans: "Bang bang, I'm OK."

The Smile Jamaica Concert took place on 5 December 1976 at National Heroes Park in Kingston, Jamaica, designed to counter escalating political violence ahead of the 1977 general election. Bob Marley had agreed to perform, but just two days before the show, he was shot in his home along with his wife Rita and two others. Despite these injuries, Marley recovered enough to join The Wailers for a powerful 90-minute set. An estimated 80,000 people attended, gathering at the venue unsure if their hero would even appear until he arrived on stage.

Quick Facts

Date: 5 December 1976
Location: National Heroes Park, Kingston, Jamaica
Headliners: Bob Marley & The Wailers
Attendance: 80,000 people
Set duration: 90 minutes

Lore & Background

Tensions were high in Jamaica between supporters of Prime Minister Michael Manley's PNP and the opposition JLP, leading to a state of emergency by June. The Ministry of Culture planned this free concert to defuse tensions, inviting Marley who had previously played the 1975 Wonder Dream Concert. Although Marley declared himself politically neutral, the JLP viewed his participation as an endorsement of the PNP, especially after Manley moved the election date forward to 15 December to Marley's chagrin. During rehearsals at his home studio, Marley and others were shot by assailants suspected to have links to a JLP-affiliated drug gang; several suspects were arrested and later released. Despite the violence, over two hundred people filled the stage, many acting as a human shield for Marley, while Robbie Shakespeare stepped in for bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett, who had gone into hiding.

Reader's Guide

Following the concert, Marley left Jamaica for Nassau, Bahamas, and later London, where he stayed for 16 months. He returned in 1978 for the One Love Peace Concert, famously bringing Manley and Edward Seaga on stage for an "awkward" embrace. The legacy of this event is visible today; Television Jamaica airs a morning show named Smile Jamaica as a nod to the concert's popularity. A "Smile Jamaica Hurricane Appeal" was held at London's Dominion Theatre on 16 October 1988, featuring U2 and Eddy Grant among others to raise funds after Hurricane Gilbert. In February 2008, Rita Marley organized "Africa Unite — Smile Jamaica 2008," a festival moved from South Africa to Jamaica due to financing issues, featuring Rihanna and Bunny Wailer. The event is also dramatized in the alternative historical novel Stir It Up by David Dusty Couples and the award-winning novel A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James.

Did You Know?

Marley's wife Rita performed backing vocals while still wearing the hospital gown she had been discharged in just hours before the concert.
An unreleased film of the concert was made by Carl Colby, son of former CIA director William Colby.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Smile Jamaica Concert take place?

The event occurred on December 5, 1976, at National Heroes Park in Kingston. It was organized to promote peace during a period of intense political violence.

Was Bob Marley injured before performing?

Yes, he survived a shooting attack at his home two days prior to the show. Despite his wounds, he recovered sufficiently to join The Wailers on stage.

How many fans attended the concert?

Approximately 80,000 people gathered at the venue hoping to see their hero perform. Many arrived uncertain if Marley would appear given the recent assassination attempt.