Derek Smith Sr.
“The Connection” — Bob Marley in The Bahamas, 1979
“In 1979, Bob Marley and The Wailers played a concert in Nassau, Bahamas, as part of their Survival tour. This was their only live performance in The Bahamas, ever. The show took place on December 15th at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center, marking the final performance of the tour[’s Caribbean leg].” – Derek Smith, Sr.
Derek has spent more than four decades behind the lens, preserving the cultural identity and living history of The Bahamas. His passion for photography began in high school, and from that moment forward, he committed himself to capturing the soul of his beloved Bahamaland.
The Connection
Bob Marley in The Bahamas, 1979
Black & White Photography
Photo by Derek W. Smith - OM Visual/Historian
Guided by mentors Roland Rose, Jeff Thompson, and E. Bruce Delancy, Derek refined his craft through early work at The Tribune (1975–1981), later at The Nassau Guardian (1981–1999), and since 2000 as a Senior Photographer with Bahamas Information Services. Along the way, he has documented some of the nation’s most defining moments and personalities.
His portfolio includes iconic events such as the royal visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, Pope John Paul II’s 1979 visit, Muhammad Ali’s historic “Drama in Bahama” fight in 1981, and portraits of figures like Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, General Colin Powell, and Sir Sidney Poitier. Derek’s dedication earned him recognition with the Bahamian Grammy Award in 1988 and a nomination in the inaugural Cacique Awards in 1989.
The Connection, Derek’s striking image of Bob Marley smiling from the back of a convertible during the Survival tour, remains one of the most significant cultural photographs in Bahamian history. It is not only a snapshot of a global icon but also a reminder of the Bahamas’ role in the larger Caribbean story of resilience, unity, and music.
Derek shares this legacy with his family: his wife, Elma, and their three sons—Derek Jr., Kevyn, and Kyle—who all carry forward the family’s passion for photography and creative storytelling.
