Bob Marley
Bob Marley died from cancer in 1981, aged 36. Reuters

Decades after his tragic death, Bop Marley has received his very own statue.

A new life-size sculpture of the reggae legend has been unveiled to mark what would have been his 70th birthday.

An effigy of the No Woman, No Cry hitmaker captures him dancing and singing while holding a guitar. It was unveiled in Trench Town, where the musician and his family moved when he was 12 years old.

The statue forms part of a multi-million dollar renovation to the area's Culture Yard, and capped a weekend of events and parties held on the Caribbean island to celebrate the life and work of the acclaimed musician.

Jamaica's Minister of Tourism of Entertainment Dr. Wykeham MCNeill hopes the statue will serve as inspiration to youngsters trying to pursue their dreams.

"[Marley's] gift to Jamaica is incalculable. His achievements, and those of his fellow artistes who have followed in his footsteps, have put our country on the map as the Mecca of popular music. Today the tourism sector continues to attract hundreds of visitors who come to see the country that produced Bob Marley.

"This new statue will doubtless attract even more visitors to our shores and to Trench Town in particular. Of equal importance is the fact that its presence will serve to inspire the youths in his old neighbourhood. It will encourage them to believe in themselves and understand that they can achieve success despite perceived disadvantages."

Over the weekend, the icon's son Damian Marley headlined a free show in Kingston with brothers Julian and Ky-Mani.

Marley died from 1981 after battling cancer. He was aged 36. His greatest hits include One Love, Waiting In Vain and Redemption Song.