Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley who is the son of Stephen Marley and Grandson of Bob Marley dies at 31, a representative confirms to Rolling Stone on Dec. 27. A cause of death has not been announced.
Public figures have paid tribute to the Jamaican born reggae artist. “My heartfelt sympathies to Joseph’s friends and associates and to the Reggae music fraternity and fans everywhere,” wrote Jamaica Prime Minister, Andrew Holness. He continued “His untimely passing at the young age of 31 is a huge loss to the music as we look to the next generation.”
Jamaica’s Minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange said “I am deeply saddened by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of Reggae star, Stephen Marley and grandson 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.”
Mark J. Golding, Opposition Leader of Jamaica tweeted “I’ve just learned of the tragic loss of Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley. A talented young reggae artist, son of Stephen Marley & grandson of Bob Marley at only 31 yrs old. The loss of a child is a devastating blow no parent should face, my condolences to Stephen and the entire family.”
Jo Mersa was born March 12, 1991. He spent his early years in Jamaica, before moving to Florida. He debuted in 2010 with the track “My Girl”, which he sang with his cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley. He released his EP “comfortable” in 2014 and also featured in Grammy award-winning album Strictly Roots by Morgan Heritage.
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