The Honourable Robert Nesta Marley popularly known as Bob Marley certainly created a lasting legacy in his 36 years of life. With a string of honours, awards and timeless hits to his name, Bob Marley has made history. Also with no fewer than 11 offspring (two adopted) the Marley name and seemingly the Marley’s talent is set to endure for years to come.
The video above, which is a performance from some of the Marley’s: Ziggy, Stephen, Damian, Julian, Ky-mani and Cedella is a testament to the musical prowess of the Marley’s. Covering one of Bob Marley’s most popular hits ‘Could You Be Loved’ electrify the crowd with their rendition. Demonstrating that the similarities inherited from their dad stems further than just looks.
Ziggy Marley
Ziggy Marley in particular seems to possess a tone and energy that is very reminiscent of his father, and as can be seen from the video as the oldest brother seems to take the lead and orchestrate the performance. Ziggy who made his musical debut as a child alongside his father and sisters Cedella and Sharon with ‘Children Playing in the Streets’ has enjoyed critical and commercial success in his own right. This all culminated in four Grammy wins..!
Stephen Marley – multi-talented, singer and producer, and five-time Grammy winner. What impresses me most about Stephen is production skills. I was astounded to discover that he had produced the majority of his younger brother, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley’s albums, which are always very good. Stephen also produced and featured on a number of tracks on the joint album between Jr. Gong and Hip-Hopper Nas.
Ky-mani Marley – I first really heard of Ky-mani due to the reality show shot about him which aired on BET, little did I know that he was also a very good vocalist and had played Biggs in the now classic Jamaican movie Shottas. Ky-mani’s recent releases such as ‘Brave Ones’ on The Message riddim, Rasta Love (a collaboration with Protege) and Be Smart and War to name a few have been on frequent circulation on my iPhone. Ky-mani has a unique, rawness to his voice and in a very similar fashion to his brothers makes very ‘conscious’ music.
One thing is for certain, the upbringing and foundation laid by their late father has equipped the Marley’s with a consciousness that has seen them stray from the commercial ‘slackness’ of Dancehall, in favour of Culture and Reggae. Perhaps, aware of their father’s relatively short time on Earth they are indeed intent on carrying on his work.
Now onto my personal favourite Marley (except Bob of course) – Damian Marley. Also known as Gong ZILLA and Jr Gong, deriving from his father’s nickname Tuff Gong, Damian is primarily a deejay, in contrast to most of his siblings. Welcome to Jamrock, the 2005 single and album of the same name largely spurred him into the mainstream, and is one of my favourite albums to date. Damian’s sound, due to his deejaying/toasting is exciting and the ‘right’ type of fusion between numerous musical genres such as Reggae, Dancehall, Hip-Hop and R&B. Coupled with excellent lyrical ability, ‘consciousness,’ and great production, often, Jr Gong albums are ones I can listen to from start to finish. The collaborative album ‘Distant Relatives’ is in my opinion one of the best releases of the last 10 years and enjoyed worldwide success.
The only shame is that the Marley’s cannot perform together alongside their dad… That truly would be something. Jackson’s? Osmond’s? Or closer to home in Jamaican music – McGregor’s? Nope! Marley’s mi seh!
Do you agree, who do you think are the best musical family and who’s your favourite Marley? Let us know!
