Daniel Caesar Puts His Unique, Soulful Spin On Bob Marley’s ‘Waiting In Vain’ For ‘One Love’

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The soundtrack for the Kingsley Ben-Adir Bob Marley biopic Bob Marley: One Love is due for release the same day the film comes to theaters on Valentine’s Day, but today, we received another glimpse at the EP, which will feature contemporary artists’ covers of the Jamaican icon’s classics. Last week, Kacey Musgraves released a cover of the Wailers’ 1977 staple “Three Little Birds,” and today, Daniel Caesar offered a unique, soulful take on an underrated catalog classic, “Waiting In Vain.”

While the original version appears on Exodus alongside “Three Little Birds” and maintains the bright, midtempo roots approach of the rest of the songs on the album, Caesar’s version slows things down, taking a more mournful angle to the song’s plaintive messaging. With Daniel Caesar’s signature emphasis on bass-driven rhythm and pretty but sad synths, the cover strikes a suitable balance between the frustration and hope of carrying a torch for someone who may not feel the same.

Caesar’s far from the first artist to cover the Wailers classic; in 1993, jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour recorded a version with British reggae artist Maxi Priest, while in 1995, Annie Lennox also issued a haunting contemporary take (wearing Mickey Mouse ears in the video, no less) that featured in a number of early 2000s movies. (As I write this, I have been informed by my girlfriend that there is also an OPM — Original Pinoy Music — version by a band called MYMP — Make Your Momma Proud — and so I am including it here.)

Check out Caesar’s version of “Waiting In Vain” below.

Daniel Caesar Releases Cover of “Waiting In Vain” Ahead of Bob Marley EP

Daniel Caesar Releases Cover of “Waiting In Vain” Ahead of Bob Marley EP

In anticipation of the upcoming release of the EP BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE (MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE FILM), Daniel Caesar, the multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning artist, has shared his rendition of the iconic song “Waiting In Vain.” The EP, set to drop on Feb. 14th via Tuff Gong/Island Records, is part of the celebration surrounding the release of the highly anticipated film Bob Marley: One Love from Paramount Pictures.

The EP features seven essential compositions from the Jamaican reggae icon, including covers by contemporary artists like Kacey Musgraves, Wizkid, Leon Bridges, Jessie Reyez, Bloody Civilian, and Skip Marley, grandson of Bob Marley. The Marley family handpicked and approved all song selections, emphasizing the enduring relationship between Island Records, the Marley family, and Jamaica.

“My dad used to sing around the house a lot and play the guitar and one of his favorite songs to play was ‘Redemption Song’ – That was one of the first songs I remember learning how to play as well,” said Caesar.

Caesar also cites Bob Marley as an inspiration to his own artistry: “I love the idea of music where…if you’re going to say something, say something. It’s not all about aesthetic, he had something to say. Similarly, I have things to say – a lot of my music centers around expressing my emotions, but I have moments where I like to say something that is important and take a stance.”

The film Bob Marley: One Love delves into the life and music of the legendary musician, highlighting his message of love and unity. Starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita, the movie hits theaters on Feb.14, 2024.

The post Daniel Caesar Releases Cover of “Waiting In Vain” Ahead of Bob Marley EP first appeared on The Source.

The post Daniel Caesar Releases Cover of “Waiting In Vain” Ahead of Bob Marley EP appeared first on The Source.

Daniel Caesar Drops Soul-Stirring Single “Waiting In Vain”

Daniel Caesar has gifted fans with a new single, “Waiting in Vain,” released tonight. As follow-up to his 2023 album NEVER ENOUGH, Daniel Caesar is setting the tone for what we can expect from him this year. This soul-stirring track marks Caesar’s first musical offering of 2024, and it’s already making waves for its heartfelt lyrics and emotionally charged melody. The soulful Canadian crooner is starting the year off strong. The song dives into the theme of unrequited love. It captures the essence of yearning and the emotional toll it takes on the protagonist. The song is a rendition of Bob Marley’s original track “Waiting In Vain.” The lyrics, which were written by Bob Marley & The Wailers, reveal the complexity of emotions tied to waiting for someone who may not reciprocate the same level of affection.

Furthermore, in the opening lines, Caesar expresses the longing with a simple yet resonant plea: “I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love.” The sentiment is carried through the verses as he reflects on the initial infatuation, the passage of time, and the emotional rollercoaster of unfulfilled expectations. The chorus, with its soulful repetitions of the phrase, amplifies the raw emotion of the track. Caesar’s smooth vocals create a sonic landscape that immerses listeners in the poignant narrative of love and longing. Coupled with the beautifully layered production, the song is something you’ll likely have on repeat.

Read More: 7 R&B Albums From 2023 We’re Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Stream “Waiting In Vain” By Daniel Caesar Below

Moreover, the song’s thematic depth is complemented by its musical richness. It blends elements of R&B and soul with Caesar’s signature voice. The instrumentation, along with the lush harmonies, adds layers to the emotional narrative. This creates a captivating listening experience. “Waiting In Vain” showcases Daniel Caesar’s ability to connect with his audience on a deeply emotional level, a skill that has earned him acclaim in the contemporary R&B scene. The track navigates the universal theme of love with a nuanced approach, making it relatable to a broad audience.

Furthermore, fans who embraced the soulful journey of NEVER ENOUGH will love “Waiting in Vain.” In fact, fans may find it to be a seamless continuation of Caesar’s artistic exploration. As the single gains traction, it is poised to become a soundtrack for those navigating the complexities of love. And the bittersweet experience of waiting for someone who may never arrive. Daniel Caesar’s “Waiting in Vain” stands out as a timeless testament to the enduring power of soulful storytelling through song. As listeners immerse themselves in the evocative lyrics and emotive melody, Caesar once again proves why he remains a standout artist in the realm of modern R&B.

Quotable lyrics:

From the very first time I blessed my eyes on you, girl
My heart said, “Follow through”
But I know now that I’m way down on your line
But the waitin’ feel is fine

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The post Daniel Caesar Drops Soul-Stirring Single “Waiting In Vain” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Posthumous Album, ‘Africa Unite,’ Announces from Bob Marley & The Wailers

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Bob Marley’s legacy lives on with “Africa Unite,” a magnificent posthumous album celebrating Reggae and Afrobeats’ fusion. Scheduled for release on August 4, 2023, this extraordinary album pays homage to the iconic Reggae artist’s greatest hits, beautifully reimagined with the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats.

Featuring inspiring collaborations between Bob Marley’s timeless classics and a stellar lineup of contemporary African musicians, “Africa Unite” is a ten-track masterpiece. The album includes collaborations with Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Teni, and Oxlade, each adding their unique flair and artistry to Bob Marley’s iconic compositions.

Bob Marley’s influence on both Reggae and Afrobeats’ music cultures is immeasurable. With “Africa Unite,” his ageless music transcends borders and generations, inviting listeners on an enchanting musical journey. From heartwarming renditions of “Waiting In Vain” to the uplifting energy of “Stir It Up,” the album seamlessly merges two extraordinary musical worlds.

Alongside the album announcement, the lead single, a new version of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” performed by Nigeria’s rising stars Teni and Oxlade, has been released. The track captures the essence of the original while infusing it with an afro-fusion kick.

“Africa Unite” showcases the global reach of Bob Marley’s music and celebrates the rich tapestry of African rhythms and melodies. By blending reggae’s soulful vibrations with the infectious energy of Afrobeats, the album embodies unity and collaboration, reflecting the late artist’s vision of a harmonious world.

The release of “Africa Unite” is expected to captivate Bob Marley’s devoted fanbase and attract new listeners who are eager to experience the magic of his music freshly and vibrantly. The album is a testament to Bob Marley’s enduring influence and ability to bridge the gap between the past and present.

The post Posthumous Album, ‘Africa Unite,’ Announces from Bob Marley & The Wailers appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Paramount Pictures Releases Trailer for ‘Bob Marley: One Love’

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Paramount Pictures has announced the forthcoming film, BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE. The film stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch, James Norton, Tosin Cole, Anthony Welsh, Michael Gandolfini, Umi Myers, Nadine Marshall.

The synopsis for the film reads:

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita, BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE is in theatres January 12.

You can see the teaser trailer below.

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Bob Marley’s Grandson Jo Mersa Marley Dead At 31

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According to several confirmed reports, Bob Marley’s grandson, singer Jo Mersa Marley, has died at t he age of 31. While details of his death are currently unknown, it is confirmed he was found unresponsive in his vehicle and passed away from asthma-related conditions on Tuesday.

Jo Mersa, the son of Stephen Marley, was a Grammy Award winning artist, with a career working alongside the likes of Pitbull and the Fugees. Jo Mersa jumpstarted his music career with his debut EP Comfortable (2014) followed up by his most recent output Eternal (2021). 

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Singer Jo Mersa Marley, Bob Marley’s Grandson, Passes Away At 31

Jo Mersa, born Joseph Mersa Marley in Kingston, Jamaica, has died at age 31. He was a grandson to the popular singer Bob Marley, who passed away in 1981 at 36 years old.

The young reggae singer died as a result of “asthma-related conditions, according to TMZ, though an exact cause of death has not been announced.

Per RadarOnline, Jo Mersa was found “unresponsive in his vehicle” this past Tuesday (Dec. 27).

Jo Mersa followed up his grandfather’s legacy by launching his own music career. In 2014, he debuted his EP Comfortable and later dropped his second project Eternal in 2021, releasing “Burn It Down” in between. 

Featuring his brother Yohan Marley, “Burn It Down” proved to be a hit track, gaining over three million views on YouTube.

Continuing to hone in on his craft, Jo Mersa also attended Miami Dade College and took audio engineering courses while growing as a reggae musician.

He was the son of Stephen Marley, who also enjoyed a successful music career. Winning eight Grammy awards, Stephen has collaborated with a number of notable artists over the years, including Pitbull and the Fugees.

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 13: Reggae artist, Jo Mersa Marley performs during The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing on July 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)

In an interview with Reggaeville last year, Jo Mersa spoke about his latest EP and also opened up about how he and his family commemorated the “No Woman, No Cry” singer around his birthday and the anniversary of his death. 

“Family-wise, you would hear memories from my father or from our uncles, you would see them posting pictures or even just speaking to us in an environment talking about ‘I remember when Daddy did this or when he came from Africa or when Daddy did this interview or when he was in Italy,’” he shared. “So, we always hear those reflections, speaking about those things, about the role that he played not only as family member and father, but also in the world and the impact he had on the Reggae community and the Reggae culture, the roots, bringing forward the message of Rastafari and love, over all love.”

Our hearts go out to the Marley family during this time. R.I.P.

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Wu-Tang Clan And A Whole Lot Of Marleys Are Headlining The Cali Vibes Festival

Two days ago on Instagram, the brand new @calivibesfest account posted a cryptic video with a caption that said “Something is on the horizon.” It didn’t take long for us to find out what that “something” is, as the lineup and dates for Goldenvoice’s brand new California Vibrations Festival (Cali Vibes) has now been announced. Wu-Tang Clan and a very special Bob Marley Birthday Celebration with Ziggy, Damian, Julian, Stephen and Ky-Mani Marley are highlighting a loaded lineup of reggae, rock, roots and hip-hop. The Bob birthday celebration is especially intriguing with The Marley Brothers playing songs from their father’s timeless discography.

The festival takes place from February 2 — 4, 2022 at Marina Green Park in Long Beach and the lineup also includes Rebelution, Sean Paul, Stick Figure, Slightly Stoopid, Sublime With Rome, Dirty Heads, Atmosphere, Barrington Levy, Sean Paul, The Grouch & Eligh, Pepper, Long Beach Dub All-Stars, Koffee and more. Tickets go on-sale this Friday, October 15 and 3-day passes begin at $285 for GA, $420 for VIP and $999 for Beach Club Passes. Single day tickets are also available.

You can view all of the ticket options here. Which also includes single day tickets and payment plans. Visit the festival’s site for more info on everything and check out the full lineup poster for the 3-day festival below.

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Reggae Legend Bunny Wailer Has Died At 73

Rolling Stone reports that Bunny Wailer, the last surviving founding member of The Wailers, has died at age 73, as confirmed by his manager Maxine Stowe. He died earlier today at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica according to Jamaica Observer, and no cause of death has been released yet. He’d been in failing health since 2020 when he suffered his second stroke.

Born Neville Livingstone in the Nine Mile district of Jamaica’s St. Ann Parish, Bunny became a musical icon revered the world over for his work with The Wailers, which included childhood friend Bob Marley and later addition, Peter Tosh. The then-trio soon added singer Junior Braithwaite and backup vocalists Beverley Kelso and Cherry and began releasing a string of international hits, which included “Simmer Down,” “Stir It Up,” “Is This Love,” “Jamming,” “Could You Be Loved,” “Buffalo Soldier,” “Get Up, Stand Up,” and “Redemption Song.”

Rolling Stone notes that while Marley and Tosh were the group’s principal songwriters, it was Wailer who provided the band with not just its name but also its unforgettable harmonies. The group was instrumental in bringing Jamaican music to the world, touring the UK with Johnny Cash in the early 1970s. Wailer left the group in 1973 after the group’s new producer Chris Blackwell sought to rebrand them as “Bob Marley’s backup singers.” Wailer embarked on his own successful solo career with Blackheart Man. Wailer eventually won three Best Reggae Album Grammys, in 1991, 1995, and 1997.