One love inspires infatuation for Mokai Kingi

Rotorua man Mokai Kingi has been collecting Bob Marley memorabilia for more than 30 years. Photo/Stephen Parker

Rotorua man Mokai Kingi has just One Love, his love of all things Bob Marley.

For more than 30 years Mr Kingi has been collecting the late reggae singer's memorabilia and now has "rooms full" of Bob Marley-adorned items.

His extensive collection, from T-shirts, hats and bedding to posters, framed pictures and CDs, is so big Mr Kingi had to put some of the items into storage in Auckland because it could no longer fit in his house.

"I'm a bit of a Bob Marley freak," he said. "I must be obsessed if I've been collecting since 1981."

Mr Kingi began listening to Bob Marley's music when he was 10 and has been hooked since. "He's an inspiration, an inspiration to everyone, to people of all races and backgrounds. His lyrics are just so meaningful."

While Mr Kingi said he knew about 99 per cent of the lyrics to every Bob Marley song, his musical taste was not limited to the tunes of the reggae legend.

"I actually like all kinds of music, believe it or not. But my favourite song is and always has been Marley's Waiting in Vain."

Mr Kingi said his infatuation with Marley has earned him a reputation among his friends, families and neighbours and his decorated home has been nicknamed The Museum, because of all the collectibles.

"It makes it easy for the kids when they are buying Christmas presents. Anything and everything Bob Marley, they'll know I'll like it."

Mr Kingi said the most treasured item in his collection was a Bob Marley painting made for him for his 30th birthday by a friend who has since died.

"It's something pretty special. But it's so hard to choose, I've just go so much stuff."

Mr Kingi said he has spent thousands of dollars on his collection but would never consider selling it because it had become a part of who he was.

While he never got the meet the legend himself, Mr Kingi hoped he could meet Bob Marley's son Damian Marley and said he was looking forward to getting a glimpse of him at this weekend's Raggamuffin Festival.

Mr Kingi will be in Rastafarian colours and face paint, and hoped it would catch the reggae star's attention. "It would be pretty cool getting to meet him, it would be a dream."