Bob Marley assassination attempt military headquarters. Reggae musician Bob Marley announced plans to hold a concert in an attempt to quell the violence. Politicians from both parties were hoping to capitalize on Marley's support. While Marley remained neutral, many viewed him as tacitly supporting Manley and the PNP. In 1972, Michael Manley assumed leadership under the People's National Party (PNP) as Prime Minister of Jamaica, where he maintained leadership until 1980. Upon entering office, the Democratic-Socialist prime minister immediately angered US officials by recognizing the Cuban government of Fidel Castro, nationalizing bauxite production, and recognizing the MPLA government of Angola, that was supported by
War (Bob Marley song) player Allen "Skill" Cole or Wailers drummer Carlton "Carly" Barrett therefore enabled Bob Marley to circumvent the law until new, more favorable agreements were made. This practice, along with the practice of rewarding friends who contributed to compositions by crediting them — even if they only contributed with ideas — and Marley's sudden death without leaving a will all combined to create confusion about the copyright status of several songs, including "War". Barrett's brother, Wailer musician Aston "Family Man" Barrett (who created the bass line, key to the song's efficiency) has since brought lawsuits against the Marley estate (in practice,