British film director Kevin MacDonald mentioned plans to make a film about reggae icon Peter Tosh, talks to do so have begun with the singer’s estate..
The feature film will focus on the period surrounding the release of Tosh’s 1976 album Legalize It.
This was Tosh’s first major solo effort after leaving The Wailers, and its release coincided with albums put out by the other members of that famous trio — Bunny Wailer’s Blackheart Man and Bob Marley’s Rastaman Vibration.
“The songs on Legalize It are still so relevant today. When one looks at the fact that the state of Colorado has just legalised marijuana, and the discussion continues here in Jamaica, we want to keep the conversation going through this tool — a film,” she told Splash.
Work has begun on the script, but no date has been set for the start of production or the film’s official release.
MacDonald was chosen to direct following his impressive showing with the documentary Marley, which was released last April.
As Tosh’s youngest child, Niambe, who is 31 years old, feels a feature film is the best way to pique the interest of those who do not know Tosh, especially the younger generation who have heard about The Wailers and Bob Marley but are not familiar with her father.
Casting is yet to commence and Niambe has not thought about who will play the role of her father, but says the actor who lands that role must bring a certain dynamism and versatility in order to accurately convey the many facets he possessed.
Peter Tosh, born Winston Hubert McIntosh, was a founding member of The Wailers along with Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley in the early 1960s.
He was shot and killed at his home in St Andrew on September 11, 1987. He was 42 years old.
“Movie Talks for Tosh”