Magalie Billod of Switzerland was given one wish and she chose to visit the home of her idol, Bob Marley. Eighteen-year-old Billod has muscular dystrophy, a genetic disease which causes the muscles to weaken and eventually become useless over time. She was granted the wish by the Make A Wish Foundation, an international organisation that grants the wishes of children with life threatening diseases. She has made stops at other famous Marley sights, but onFriday she took a tour of Tuff Gong studio where Marley did much of his recordings. Seated in her wheelchair with her parents by her side, Magalie began the tour. Firstly, she took the passage along the same path where Marley must have walked to visit where the magic happened, the studio itself.

Enjoyed the experience

She was in awe at the fact that she was among some of Marley’s artefacts. It was surreal. It got better when they placed earphones over head and perch a microphone in front of her. She even got to sit at the grand piano. From there she ventured to the Gong Mastering where the more technical part of making the record is carried out and then to the factory. All eyes were on Billod and the employees all took the opportunity to greet her.

Mitzy Evan, the general manager at Tuff Gong, presented Billod with a gift bag that contained CDs, posters and other Marley memorabilia. But the biggest surprise was when she stumbled upon Yasus Afari in the merchandise shop. She recognised him.

“Welcome to Jamaica, special honour and blessing,” Yasus Afari said to her.

He also presented her with a copy of his book, Overstanding Rastafari.

Billod was pressed for time as her trip to Jamaica was coming to an end. However, she said he had a blast.

“It was very interesting and very great, I had a good time. It was incredible,” Billod said in her final moments of tour.

Source - Jamaica Gleaner

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