The Jamaica Star :: Entertainment :: Royal Rita celebrates birthday

Rita Marley dances the night away with daughter Sharon Marley and personal assistant Rosemary Duncan. - Contributed

The new Marley Resort and Spa in Nassau, Bahamas was abuzz with activity on Friday, July 25, when their president, Queen Mother, Nana Afua Adobea Rita Marley, OD, celebrated her 62nd 'Earthday'.

Guests in attendance were all elegantly attired and appeared to be a little anxious as they waited with bated breath for queen Rita's arrival.

The decorations were as colourful as they were beautiful, and the aroma of gourmet Caribbean food filled the air.

A hush soon came over the crowd of over 200 persons, as photographers and videographers headed for the main gate, where it was announced that Rita had arrived.

Elegantly attired

Soon after, a sleek, white limousine pulled into the driveway and out came Rita Anderson Marley.

She exited the vehicle with ease, as she had done many times before. Smiling warmly, she stood poised, elegantly attired in a royal blue dress, complemented by a matching headband and scarf, while the flashes of light from the cameras of the media in attendance went off.

It was her special night, one that she would celebrate with family and friends.

Ambassador of Liberia

Rita Marley being greeted upon arrival at her star-studded celebration by legendary football star, Ambassador George Weah of Liberia. Marley's entourage is seen in the background. - Contributed

She was greeted by her eldest daughter Sharon Marley and legendary football star, Ambassador George Weah of Liberia, who escorted her to a seating area fit for a queen.

A well-built young man clad as an African warrior used a huge purple fan made of ostrich and peacock feathers to keep Nana Marley (as she is affectionately called) cool on the hot summer night.

As the night went on, she beamed as she was serenaded by some of her grandchildren, as well as by local singing group Four Minutes to Twelve (the Bahamian version of Boys II Men).

She seemed at peace

Rita Marley (centre) with daughters Sharon Marley (far left), Stephanie Marley (right, kissing her) and some of her 53 grandchildren. - Contributed

As she cut her huge birthday cake surrounded by her loved ones, she seemed at peace.

While all this was going on, guests dined on scrumptious Bahamian and Jamaican cuisine such as conch fritters, shrimp, rice and peas, lamb, fish soup and curry goat. Their appetite for further entertainment was filled when a new musical group, Sky Juice, performed.

The guest list read like a who's who in the world of local and international entertainment, sports, business and politics. Mr Al Collie, Mr and Mrs Zolt and Mr Errol Brown of I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES fame (Hot Chocolate band) were among the invited guests. Ms Ramsay of the Ministry of Tourism in Nassau, Mr Neville Wisdom, former Minister of Youth Sports and Community Affairs, Bahamas, Dr Edwin Tulloch-Reid, and Mr Patrick Hanlan all came to celebrate with Rita.

When quizzed about how she felt, Nana Marley, wife of reggae legend Honourable Bob Marley, OM, said she was doing very well. And this was proven as she danced the night away and appeared very happy to be celebrating her special day with family, friends and staff at the Marley Resort and Spa, in Nassau, Bahamas.