Could Peter Tosh become Jamaica's next National Hero?

 

 The daughter of an iconic Reggae superstar hopes that her father will become Jamaica's eighth national hero. But it's not the legendary artiste who you might be thinking of.

Niambe Tosh, the daughter of late, great Reggae singer, Peter Tosh thinks that her famous father should be branded a National Hero by the Jamaican Government. This hails as part of the Peter Tosh Estate's campaign to garner full recognition for the Reggae singer's many contributions to Jamaica's music industry, amongst other works.

In an interview with IRIE FM on Tuesday, Niambe Tosh insists that her father deserves such acknowledgement from the local government.

"It's long overdue that our father is recognized as a National Hero. This I just the start of many things I believe to come in Jamaica from the Peter Tosh Estate," she said.
If Tosh were named a National Hero, he would share similar status with the likes of Paul Bogle, Sam Sharpe, Norman Manley, Alexander Bustamante, George William Gordon, Marcus Garvey and Nanny.

In recent years, it's been heavily debated whether Tosh's long-time friend and collaborator, Bob Marley should be a National Hero given his universal contributions to music and Jamaican culture. Though much conversation and a few petitions have accompanied this issue, there has been no serious discussion about awarding Marley such status by the government, to public knowledge.

Tosh wrote several songs for Bob Marley and hailed as a long-time member of Marley's band, Bob Marley & The Wailers before launching a successful solo career in the late 70s with singles such as Mystic Man and Legalize It. However, like Marley, Tosh's career was cut short after being shot and killed during a robbery attempt in 197. He was just 43 years old.

Meanwhile, the Peter Tosh Foundation in collaboration with IRIE FM will host a special outdoor broadcast, with the Running African Show and Sunday Sunshine, scheduled to take place on February 26 from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event, which celebrates the life and legacy of Peter Tosh hails as a part of Jamaica's 50th Independence celebrations and Reggae Month; featuring live performances amongst other entertainment.