Joseph Marley, commonly known as Jo Mersa Marley, died at the age of 31 on December 27, 2022. He was the second grandchild of Bob Marley and the son of Kerry-Ann and Stephen Marley. His spokesman confirmed the news.
According to South Florida radio station WZPP, Joseph’s cause of death has not yet been disclosed, although he died from asthma issues. On social media, the radio station also paid tribute to Marley, writing, “In sad news, Jo’Mersa Marley, son of Stephen Marley, has allegedly passed away today from an asthma attack. The WZPP family would like to send our deepest condolences to the Marley family during this difficult time.”
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Jo Mersa’s father Stephen Marley
Jo’s father, Stephen, rose to prominence as a member of the Marley siblings’ band, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. The band was well-known for albums such as Free Like Me, Joy and Blues, Spirit of Music, and others.
Stephen is also a music producer, having worked with musicians such as Fugees, Krayzie Bone, Capleton, and others. In this year’s Celebrating Nina: A Reggae Tribute EP, he paid tribute to the late musician Nina Simone.
Stephen quickly launched a solo career as a singer, releasing albums such as Mind Control, Mind Control Acoustic, Revelation Part I: The Root of Life, Revelation Part II: The Fruit and Life, and others. He also appeared in an episode of Marvel’s Luke Cage on Netflix.
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Jo Mersa’s grandfather Bob Marley
Stephen’s father, Bob Marley, was a well-known figure in Jamaican society and one of the pioneers of reggae. Bob began his musical career as a member of The Wailers in 1963. Soul Rebels, Catch a Fire, Rastaman Vibration, Survival, Uprising, Confrontation, and more albums established the band’s reputation.
Bob was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma in 1977, yet he continued to work on his records and perform at various events. He died on May 11, 1981, at the University of Miami Hospital.
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Jo Mersa’s mother Kertia DeCosta Marley
Stephen Marley and Kertia DeCosta Marley had 11 children Jo Mersa, Zipporah Marley, Yohan Marley, Lailah Marley, Shacia Marley, Binghi Marley, Nyah Marley, Summer Marley, Mystic Marley, Sasha Marley and Jeremiah Marley