Ras Shiloh said it is an “honour” to perform a tribute for late reggae legend Bob Marley.

The Brooklyn-born reggae artist will headline Saturday’s annual Veterans in Action Legend Bob Marley Tribute at BAA Gymnasium, also featuring Bermuda’s own Rivah and Ramone Clarke.

Marley, a Jamaican singer-songwriter, became a global icon and is considered one of the most influential musicians of all time. He is credited with popularising reggae music around the world, as well as serving as a symbol of his country’s culture and identity. A committed Rastafarian, Marley died in 1981 at the age 36 from skin cancer.

“It is an honour to be called on to perform at a tribute to the legend Bob Marley,” Ras Shiloh said. “Bob Marley paved the way for the majority of us reggae artist having to voice our opinion on daily ways of life and giving the people sweet positive reggae music.”

Born Thomas Williams, Ras Shiloh has earned a reputation of his own since his arrival on the reggae dancehall scene as a child in 1984 with Golden Touch sound system in New York.

“I have been in the industry since the tender age of 12 and enjoyed always singing for the people I have been called upon and asked to fulfil the works and mission of keeping the good vibes in the reggae music,” he said.

The 42-year old artist has released seven albums to date, including the highly acclaimed Coming Home in 2007.

So what can patrons at Saturday’s show expect from the singer?

“February 4 is going to be a night I promise the people a show they will never forget,” Ras Shiloh said. “The people can expect to be in trance to the selection of Bob’s songs I will be singing plus my own music and some of my good mentor’s music, the great Garnett Silk.”

Ras Shiloh is no stranger to Bermuda, having performed here in the past and forged many friendships.

“I was in Bermuda visiting friends prior to Christmas,” he said. “It is one of my favourite places in the world. I find the Bermuda public to be very knowledgeable of the reggae genre. As a reggae artist I have great admiration for that.

“The people in Bermuda are very pleasant and full of good positive vibes to me.

“My last show there with Gyptian in 2011 was well received by the people, and made me feel very connected with Bermuda people.”

Ras Shiloh will arrive in Bermuda fresh off his stellar performance at the annual Rebel Salute Music Festival in St Ann, Jamaica, the Parish where the late Marley was born and laid to rest.

“I performed at Rebel Salute this year and it was electrifying; the energy I received from the crowd,” he said. “I remember performing at Rebel Salute when it first started (1994) and other times over the years. To perform at this event many years later is always a good positive vibe and energy.”

Ras Shiloh has big plans in store for this year.

“This is a year for reaping the fruits of your labour to me,” he declared. “I have plenty of shows and albums being worked on this year.

“I am looking to do an East and West coast tour with Sizzla Pressure and Marlan Ashar in the summer this year. It’s time I get back going and doing what I love, which is performing for the people.”

One of the projects Ras Shiloh is working on is a tribute to his mentor, the late Garnett Silk, who perished along with his mother in an accidental fire at her house in Mandeville, Jamaica in late 1994.

“The tribute to Garnett album is very special to me, plus it involves family man Barett “Chin” Smith and Bobby Digital,” he said. “These are some of the key people that have been very influential in Bob Marley’s music and many other great artists.”

Doors open at 9pm at Saturday’s Legend Bob Marley Tribute at BAA Gymnasium.

The event will be hosted by DJ Fray, with music to be provided by Prestige, Desert Eagle, Blackstar, 3 the Hard Way and Jugglin J.

• Tickets can be purchased at Kit n Caboodle, People’s Pharmacy, Jazzy Boutique, Fish n Tings, Belvin’s, Hunt’s Food and Supplies or online at www.bdatix.bm