The reggae community is coming together to honour the life and legacy of Jo Mersa Marley with a special birthday celebration on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Bob Marley Museum, 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6. The event will feature a powerhouse lineup of reggae and dancehall’s finest, paying tribute to the late artist whose contributions to the genre remain influential.

More than just a concert, the Jo Mersa Marley Birthday Celebration serves as a moment of reflection for the reggae fraternity, recognizing Jo Mersa’s artistry and the Marley family’s enduring impact on music and culture. Artists with both personal and musical connections to Jo Mersa will take the stage, ensuring that his legacy continues to thrive.

Reggae singer Christopher Ellis, signed to Ghetto Youths International—the same label as Jo Mersa—shared a profound bond with him. For Ellis, this event is about more than just performing; it’s about honouring a brother.

“Performing at this show for me is important because it’s not just a show! Ghetto Youths is a family, not just a label. Me and Jo share the same birth date, March 12, and I’ve spent months and months with Jo living in his house. I got to learn him and vibe with him,” Ellis said.

Recalling their time in the studio, Ellis spoke about Jo Mersa’s relentless pursuit of perfection: “We spent months and months in studio over the years, and he would always ask me, ‘What do you think of this, Ellis?’ Even when it’s sick, he would still wanna hear some approval. By the way, check Jo’s verse on the song Rudeboy. The whole song is sick, but Jo’s verse is insane.”

Ellis expressed deep gratitude for being embraced by the Marley family. “It’s a privilege for me to be an associate or adopted brother of the Marleys. I can’t put into words what Stephen, Damian, and Julian have taught me both consciously and subconsciously. You can’t make no mediocre songs around them! That song will stay in the gulag! Lol. I appreciate them for raising my standard and allowing me to share the space, the studio, the vibes, the everything. Long live all of the Marley family! We love you, Jo! God bless us all.”

For reggae songstress Jah 9, participating in the celebration is about honouring both Jo Mersa’s contributions and the Marley family’s significant role in reggae and Rastafari culture.

“The Marley name carries a legacy that has profoundly shaped reggae and global culture, and as a reggae artist who is also deeply family-oriented, I have immense respect for what Bob Marley and his family have built. Their commitment to preserving Rastafari traditions while also achieving material success is a powerful example of balance and purpose—one that aligns with the principles of His Imperial Majesty and continues to inspire my own journey,” said Jah 9.

“Being part of this celebration is both a pleasure and a reminder of the responsibility we have as artistes to uphold the integrity of reggae music and its message. Jo Mersa Marley was a gifted young artiste, beloved by his family and deeply respected among his peers in reggae. His presence is deeply missed, but his impact will continue to resonate within the music and culture.”

A Star-Studded Lineup

This year’s Jo Mersa Marley Birthday Celebration boasts an exceptional lineup, featuring The Marley Brothers—Stephen, Julian, Kymani, and Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley—alongside third-generation Marleys Skip, Yohan, Mystic, Soul-Rebel, Shacia Payne, and Hymn Marley. They will be joined by reggae and dancehall heavyweights including:

• Bounty Killer

• Tarrus Riley

• Spragga Benz

• Jesse Royal

• Bugle

• Agent Sasco

• Jah 9

• Lila Ike

• Ras I

• Christopher Ellis

• Natalie Rize

• Jaz Elise

• Jemere Morgan

• Kelissa

• Black Am I

• Amlak Redsquare

• Karbon

Hosting duties will be handled by Ron Muschette, with music selections provided by Rasarella.

A Night of Tribute, Unity, and Reggae Excellence

With its new home at the Bob Marley Museum, the Jo Mersa Marley Birthday Celebration promises to be an emotional and electrifying night. The event, supported by radio partners Irie FM and Zip FM, is a must-attend for reggae fans worldwide.

Tickets are available at:

• The Bob Marley Museum

• Tuff Gong International Studios

• Fontana Pharmacies in Kingston

• Genus Pharmacies in Portmore

• Online at Caribtix.com

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.