Marley’s 2016 song “Burn It Down” is his most well-known work.
Jamaican-American reggae artist Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley – son of eight-time Grammy winner Stephen Marley and grandson of the mythical Bon Marley – has passed at the age of 31
According to the South Florida radio group WZPP, the young Marley was found unresponsive in his vehicle on Tuesday morning (December 27), having “passed away suddenly from an asthma attack”.
Born on March 12, 1991, Marley rose to special prominence with his 2016 single ‘Burn It Down’, which featured his brother Yohan. The vocalist-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist also released an EP titled ‘Comfortable’ in 2014, and a debut album, ‘Eternal’, in 2021.
In a 2014 consultation with Rolling Stone, Marley said of his then-fledging occupation: “I am one of the new eras of Marleys, but I am still testing at the same time. My plan is to do something unique with my sources.”
On how his artistry was notified by the Marley family’s musical lineage, he remembered his childhood: “It was a very mystical thing, seeing those people come around to the house and how the entire work method would happen. I would come home and attempt to do homework, but I’d end up getting diverted and go peek in the studio. You would still want to run in and run out to see what was going on.”
Reacting to the news of Marley’s death, Olivia Grange – Jamaica’s minister of culture, gender, entertainment, and sport – wrote in a message: “I am deeply depressed by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of Reggae star, Stephen Marley and grand son of Reggae super star, Bob Marley has passed.
“I open my deepest consolations to Stephen, Jo’s mom, Kerry, the Marleys, and different family members. My heartfelt sympathies to Joseph’s friends and associates and to the Reggae music fraternity and fans around.
““His untimely death at the immature age of 31 years old is a huge loss to the music as we look to the next years.
May he see Eternal Peace as we grieve his loss during this season of goodwill when we celebrate with family and friends our love for each other.”
Marley was also honoured by Jamaican opponent leader Mark J. Golding, who wrote in a piece of information of his own: “I’ve just realized of the sad loss of Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley. A skillful young reggae artiste, son of Stephen Marley & grandson of Bob Marley at only 31 years old. The loss of a child is a devastating blast no parent should face, my consolations to Stephen and the whole family.”
Bob Marley’s grandson Related FAQ
Is Skip Marley Bob Marley’s grandson?
Skip Marley Minto (born 4 June 1996) is a Jamaican singer. He is the son of Cedella Marley and David Minto, and grandson of Bob Marley. He has received two Grammy Award nominations and an MTV Video Music Award nomination
How many biological sons did Bob Marley have?
Bob and Rita had three children: Cedella (born 1967), David “Ziggy” Marley (1968) and Stephen (1972).
What were Bob Marley’s last words before he died?
Bob Marley passed away at the Cedars Of Lebanon Hospital in Miami on May 11, 1981. His final words to his son Ziggy were “Money can’t buy life.”
Who is Bob Marley’s most famous child?
David Nesta “Ziggy” Marley born 17 October 1968 is a Jamaican singer, songwriter, musician, actor and philanthropist. He is the son of reggae icons Bob Marley and Rita Marley. He led the family band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers until 2002, with whom he released eight studio albums.
How much was Bob Marley worth at his death?
Bob Marley was a Jamaican reggae singer, composer, and musician. At the time of his end in 1981, Bob’s estate was worth $11.5 million. That’s the exact as $32 million in today’s inflation-adjusted dollars.