Jo Mersa Marley’s legacy honoured in sold-out birthday celebration

The Bob Marley Museum was transformed into a vibrant haven of music and unity on Saturday, March 8, 2025, as a sold-out crowd gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Jo Mersa Marley. The annual Jo Mersa Marley Birthday Celebration delivered an unforgettable night of stellar performances, excellent production and a great experience for patrons proving why it’s well on its way to becoming a staple on the reggae calendar.

The night’s performances featured a diverse mix of reggae’s finest, each artist delivering a heartfelt homage to Jo Mersa in their own unique way. Lila Ike, Jah 9, Ras-I, Jemere Morgan, Christopher Ellis, Jaz Elise, Kelissa, Nattali Rize, Black Am I, Karbon, Amlak Redsquare, and Black Fyah all took the stage, setting the tone for a night filled with love, music, and unity.

A deeply moving highlight of the night came from Jo Mersa’s siblings, Yohan Marley, Mystic Marley, Hymn Marley, and Shacia Payne who all delivered heartfelt performances that resonated with the audience. Cousins Skip Marley, Soul-Rebel Marley and Elijah Marley thrilled the crowd with their dynamic performances all reinforcing the next generation’s commitment to carrying forward the family’s rich musical tradition.

Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, Yohan Marley shared, “Jo was always the one who connected the generations, and tonight was a perfect reflection of that. Seeing the energy from the people, hearing his music being celebrated like this… it means everything. His spirit is alive in all of us, and this celebration showed that in the best way possible.”

A particularly moving moment came when Jo Mersa’s daughter, nine-year-old Sunshine Marley, stepped onto the stage for a special tribute, bringing many in the audience to tears as she honoured her father’s memory through music.

The energy soared as reggae powerhouses Tarrus Riley, Jesse Royal, Bugle, and Agent Sasco delivered electrifying performances, keeping the momentum at an all-time high. The crowd erupted when Chronixx made a surprise appearance, igniting a frenzy with his tribute.

The grand finale was nothing short of legendary. The Marley Brothers— Stephen, Damian, Julian, and Ky-Mani— took the stage alongside reggae and dancehall greats, including Bounty Killer, Capleton, Sizzla, Spragga Benz, and Big Youth.

 Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley was a gifted singer, songwriter, and producer who carried forward the rich musical legacy of the Marley family.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in a household steeped in reggae, Jo Mersa developed a distinctive sound that blended traditional roots reggae with contemporary influences. As the son of Stephen Marley and grandson of Bob Marley, he honoured his family’s musical heritage while carving out his own identity with hits like "Burn It Down," "Hurting Inside,” “Rock and Swing," and "Comfortable," as well as “Guess Who’s Coming Home” and “We Made It” from his last EP ‘Eternal.’