Music
28 Dec 22

Grandson of Bob Marley, Jo Mersa Marley has died aged 31

"May he find Eternal Peace as we mourn his loss during this season of goodwill when we celebrate with family and friends our love for each other."

The music world mourns as Jo Mersa Marley, the grandson of the legendary Bob Marley has died at 31 years old.

Born in Jamaica in 1992, the reggae artist moved to Miami aged 11. Beginning his professional career in 2010 with the release of his single ‘My Girl’ in collaboration with his cousin, Daniel Bambaata, the reggae artist began writing his own music as early as primary school.

His debut EP, Comfortable, followed four years later. He then went on to join his grammy winner singer father- Stephen Marley on his song, ‘Revelation Party’, from the producer’s album, Revelation Part 2: The Fruit of Life in 2016.

His album, Eternal, which was released in 2021, features collaborations with reggae and dancehall artists Busy Signal, Black-Am-I and Kabaka Pyramid.

Since the announcement of the singer's passing, tributes have been rolling in for the 31-year-old from the likes of Jamaican-American reggae musician, Shaggy, and politician Mark J. Golding.

The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, has shared his condolences, expressing his sadness at the news of the 'My Girl' singer’s passing with a statement on Twitter.

I am deeply saddened by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of Reggae star, Stephen Marley and grand son of Reggae super star, Bob Marley has died.

We were graced by Joseph,whose stage name was Jo Mersa, performing at our Jamaica 60 Launch in Miramar, Florida, USA in May. pic.twitter.com/6DyHkYcNsI

— Hon.Olivia Grange (@Babsy_grange) December 27, 2022

Speaking to Rolling Stone Magazine in an interview previously, Marley spoke of his musical background, "It was a very magical thing, seeing those people come around to the house and how the whole work process would happen."

"I would come home and try to do homework, but I’d end up getting distracted and go peek in the studio. You would always want to run in and run out to see what was going on.”

The reggae artist's grandfather, Bob Marley passed away in 1981 aged 36.

Jo Mersa Marley is survived by his wife and daughter.