More than 40 years since his passing, Bob Marley’s influential message of love and unity resonates far beyond the shores of Jamaica. From the streets of San Juan to the barrios of Medellín and across the heart of Latin America, the infectious beats of reggaeton echo its Caribbean roots. Originating over three decades ago, this now widely popular genre, born in Panama in the late 80s and popularized in late 90s Puerto Rico, draws inspiration from reggae icons like Bob Marley, Shabba Ranks, Steely & Clevie, and El General, artists known for addressing issues of poverty, discrimination, and political unrest in their music.

Reggae’s enduring influence in reggaeton serves as a testament to the power of uplifting lyrics and sound in unifying and empowering people across generations. Bob Marley’s timeless classics like “One Love,” “Redemption Song,” and “Three Little Birds,” have long been anthems of hope and resilience and an unapologetic celebration of cultural identity, themes that are still persistent in reggaeton today.

The fusion of Spanish lyrics, hip-hop, afrobeats, dancehall sounds, and reggae vocals and rhythms has paved the way for numerous artists including Farruko, Pedro Capó, Danny Ocean, Osmani Garcia, Manuel Medrano, and Pitbull, a few of which have skillfully integrated Caribbean sounds and reggae influences into their compositions.

As a tribute to Marley’s enduring legacy, Paramount Pictures will soon premiere “BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE” in theaters on February 14. Watch the trailer here. Directed by Afro-Latino, Reinaldo Marcus Green, and closely produced by the Marley family, the film unveils the life of the beloved musician triumphing over adversity through his revolutionary music and sheds light on the global impact of his artistic legacy. As we eagerly await the film’s theatrical release, it’s only fitting to spotlight some of the reggaeton hits that draw inspiration from and pay homage to the late Bob Marley.

Pedro Capó, Farruko – Calma (Remix)

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This hit song from award-winning singer Pedo Capó reached the top of the charts in 2018. With a reggae-inspired rhythm, song lyrics include a verse that reads “Un poco de Bob Marley y unos tragos ‘e sangría.”

Pitbull, Sensato, Osmani Garcia – El Taxi

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“El Taxi,” a 2015 song that made everyone hit the dance floors. It is a Spanish adaptation of the famously-known song by Jamaican reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers, “Murder She Wrote.”

Bad Bunny – Me Fui de Vacaciones

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Produced by Tainy, “Me Fui de Vacaciones” is part of Bad Bunny’s fifth studio album, Un Verano Sin Ti. This song illustrates a spectrum of Caribbeans rhythms, employing a mixture of Jamaican reggae and steel drums calypsos.

Farruko ft. Ky-Mani Marley – Chillax

@farruko via Instagram

This reggaeton and reggae-infused track features Bob Marley’s son, Ky-Mani Marley. Released in 2016, this track has emerged as one of the beloved in the genre with 837M views on YouTube. As of last year, Farruko performed this song live with Ky-Mani during the music festival of The Maestro Marley Cup soccer tournament hosted in Hollywood, FL.

Maluma ft. Ziggy Marley – Tonika

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During a one-week vacation to Jamaica in 2020, Colombian pop and reggaeton star Maluma got inspired from the country’s reggae and dancehall traditions and created his EP, #7DJ (7 Días En Jamaica). Collaborating with Ziggy Marley, the track “Tonika” was born and later graced the stage with a live performance at the 2021 Latin AMAs.

Farruko, Sean Paul – Passion Whine

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This song by Puerto Rican artist, Farruko, pays homage to Sean Paul’s Jamaican roots and background. Also inspired by dancehall and reggae beats, “Passion Whine” is featured on the album titled Los Menores.

Rawayana, Danny Ocean – Binikini

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This Venezuelan band combines a variety of musical genres including reggae, salsa, and funk. Featuring pop/reggaeton artist, Danny Ocean, this collaboration tells the story about a woman being “on fire,” who captivates everyone’s attention, delivering a message of self-confidence and empowerment.

Manuel Medrano, Rawayana – No Sé Si Salga El Sol

@manuelmedrano via Instagram

This award-winning Colombian singer, songwriter and producer collaborated with Rawayana to produce a remix for “No Sé Si Salga El Sol,” a song full of calm reggae rhythms. Manuel has previously described it as “a melody full of love to the Caribbean; a reggae to connect with our inner selves…”