Joe Mersa.
Julian Marley, one of many acts for the third Jo Mersa Marley Birthday Celebration, scheduled for March 8 at Bob Marley Museum, likens his late nephew to one of many Bible’s nice figures.
The Grammy winner informed the Jamaica Observer that the present, which additionally options Jo Mersa’s father Stephen, his brothers and sister, is all about household.
“It can be crucial as a result of that is about our kids, and we have to present our love as a household. Additionally, as an artiste, he [Jo Mersa] had quite a bit to say, so we have to maintain echoing his sound on the market so individuals know what Jo needed to say,” stated Julian. “He was named Joseph, and like Joseph from the Bible, he was a visionary, yuh know, an actual chief, even from a really younger age.”
Jo Mersa died in Miami, Florida, in December 2022 at age 31.
Saturday’s celebration may even see performances from his uncles Kymani and Damian (Jr Gong), in addition to brothers Hymn and Yohan and sister Mystic.
Julian stated he knew from early that Jo Mersa would keep it up the Marley custom.
“Mi have entire heap of recollections of him. Fondest recollections… of him operating round Hope Street as a yute and only a kick ball. Additionally, as a likkle three- or four-year-old simply happening the drum set and taking part in; you woulda suppose it was a giant man taking part in dem drums deh,” he recalled. “It simply goes to point out the spirit of the music, the spirit of the lineage is robust. It’s the identical means all of us used to play the drums.”
A launch from Tuff Gong Worldwide stated the occasion is: “Greater than only a live performance, the birthday celebration is a second for the reggae fraternity to mirror on Jo Mersa’s contributions, his artistry, and the Marley household’s enduring legacy.”
The present’s Marley presence may even embrace Jo Mersa cousins Skip and Soul-Insurgent.
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, and Amlak Redsquare are additionally billed to carry out.
Guiding the night time’s proceedings will probably be famend broadcaster Ron Muschette. Music by DJ Rasarella will maintain the power excessive all through the night time.
Gates open at 6:00 pm.
Ellis, the son of rocksteady legend Alton Ellis, stated he and Jo Mersa shared greater than a love for music.
“Me and Jo share the identical beginning date, March 12, and I’ve spent months and months with Jo residing in his home. I received to be taught with him and vibe with him. He would at all times ask me, ‘What do you consider this, Ellis?’ Even when it’s ‘sick’, he would nonetheless wanna hear some approval,” Ellis reminisced.
Jo Mersa’s recording profession started in 2010 with the tune My Lady, a collaboration together with his cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley, son of his uncle Ziggy Marley.
Because the grandson of music legends Bob and Rita Marley, Jo Mersa was identified for seamlessly mixing conventional reggae with up to date influences, crafting a sound that resonated with each long-time reggae fans and a brand new technology of listeners.
He collaborated together with his father on Revelation Get together, which appeared on Revelation Pt II: The Fruit of Life, Stephen’s 2016 album.
Jo Mersa launched two EPs — Comfy in 2014 and Everlasting, launched in 2021.
