On Tuesday (12.27,) a representative for the reggae artist born Joseph Marley, has confirmed that Bob Marley‘s grandson (pka Jo Mersa Marley) has died at the age of 31.
The son of musician Stephen Marley, Jo Mersa was born in Jamaica and moved to Miami, Florida when he was 11 years old. Following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, the youngest Marley pursued music and released his first song, ‘My Girl,’ with his cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley in 2010. He released Comfortable, his first EP, in 2014 and his second, Eternal, in 2021. Jo also appeared on Jamaican reggae group Morgan Heritage’s Strictly Roots record, that won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2016.
Reggae superstar Shaggy paid tribute to Jo Mersa on Instagram by writing, “So saddened by the news of the passing of this young king @jomersamarley sending prayers and condolences to the Marley family.”
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness tweeted, “My heartfelt sympathies to Joseph’s friends and associates and to the Reggae music fraternity and fans everywhere. His untimely passing at the young age of 31y.o. is a huge loss to the music as we look to the next generation.”
Though the cause of death was not immediately released, journalists with South Florida radio station WZPP claimed on Instagram that Jo Mersa died “unexpectedly from an asthma attack” and “was found in his vehicle.” He is survived by his wife and daughter.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Eddie Mallin