Stephen Marley: Roots Deep in Jamaica, Heart in Music
Reggae royalty Stephen Marley is setting the record straight: the Marley family has not turned its back on Jamaica. As a son of the legendary Bob Marley and Rita Marley, Stephen passionately asserts that despite their global fame, their roots remain firmly planted in the island they call home.
“Our navel string cut in Jamaica … we nuh abandon Jamaica,” Stephen declared in a heartfelt interview with THE STAR. He acknowledges the family’s travels around the world, spreading their music and message, but insists that Jamaica will always be their special place. “Only Africa compares to Jamaica to us … but yeah, Jamaica is home,” he said, emphasizing the deep connection they have with the island.
Tuff Gong: A Legacy Reimagined
Last Thursday, Stephen presided over the grand reopening of the refurbished Tuff Gong International studio on Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston. This iconic facility has a rich history, once owned by the Khouris, where Bob Marley was famously turned away when he tried to record there with American singer Johnny Nash. But Bob never forgot that moment.
Years later, the Marley family purchased the complex, formerly known as Federal Recording Studio, in the 1980s. “That was the Gong … that was Bob, though. Him believe in what he was doing and in the music, and him believe in God,” Stephen reflected. The reopening is not just a celebration; it’s a fulfillment of Bob’s vision. “It has been a proud moment, coming to the point where the family owns the facility,” he added.
Industry insiders who attended the launch praised the transformation of Tuff Gong, commending the Marley siblings for breathing new life into one of reggae’s most historic spaces. Stephen made it clear that Tuff Gong belongs to the people of Jamaica, not just the Marley family. “This is for Jamaica. It’s not a family studio; it’s Jamaica’s studio … Tuff Gong. So, it’s for all of us,” he said.
A Modern Touch
The legendary compound now boasts a state-of-the-art recording studio and an active vinyl pressing plant, keeping Jamaica’s analogue music heritage alive. Stephen credited his enterprising sister, Cedella Marley, for pushing the modernization of the facility. “Cedella, Cedella, Cedella. Time is moving, and it’s about that time to update the facility,” he laughed, highlighting the importance of preparing for the next generation of artists.
Remembering Jo Mersa
As Stephen celebrates the Marley legacy, he is also preparing for an emotional tribute to his late son, Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley. On March 14, he will host a special concert at the Bob Marley Museum to honor Jo Mersa’s memory. “It’s three years since Joseph’s transition … celebrating Joseph’s birthday,” he shared. This year, the tribute will have a spiritual touch, aiming to create a reverent atmosphere.
Behind the superstar persona, Stephen admits the grief still runs deep. “Yeah, yeah, yeah … it difficult, but mi haffi do it. Him take it [the music] serious, you know, and he was growing … maturing into it very nicely,” he said, reflecting on his son’s legacy. Jo Mersa, born in Kingston on March 12, 1991, left behind a musical legacy of his own, including the 2014 EP Comfortable and the 2021 album Eternal.
A Celebration of Life and Music
As the date approaches, excitement builds for the tribute concert. “Show time is 8 p.m. for the acoustic segment and then, after we finish that, time for party,” Stephen said, hinting at a night filled with music, memories, and celebration.
With the Marley family continuing to honor their roots while reaching out to the world, one can’t help but wonder: How will the next generation of Marleys carry the torch of reggae music forward?
