Bob Marley’s Grandson, Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley, Has Died
Father Bob #FatherBob
Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley, grandson of Bob Marley and son of Grammy-winning artist Stephen Marley, has died at 31-years-old.
Reggae artist, Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley, grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley and son of Grammy-winning artist Stephen Marley, has died. He was 31. Mersa’s death was first reported in a tweet by journalist Abka Fitz-Henley, who said that the 31-year-old was “found unresponsive in a vehicle” on Tuesday (December 27). Rolling Stone officially confirmed news of Mersa’s death.
#JUST_IN: Jamaican/American Artiste, Joseph Marley, who’s also known as Jo Mersa (@JoMersaMarley), was found dead today in the USA.
Marley was found unresponsive in a vehicle.
Marley is the son of Reggae Star Stephen Marley & the grandson of reggae legend, Bob Marley. pic.twitter.com/jyH8A4YkK6
— Abka Fitz-Henley (@AbkaFitzHenley) December 27, 2022
Born in Kingston, Jamaica on March 12, 1991, Mersa moved to Miami at 11, where he attended Palmetto High School before enrolling at Miami Dade College, the latter where he studied studio engineering. Following in the footsteps of his father Stephen – one of Bob Marley’s eleven children – Mersa began to write music in middle school, later releasing song “My Girl” — a collaboration with his cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley — in 2010. In 2014, Mersa dropped his debut EP, Comfortable, followed by his latest and second EP, Eternal, released last year.
Around the release of Eternal, Mersa spoke to Reggaeville.com about his grandfather’s legacy, although Marley died in 1981 at 36-years-old, ten years before Mersa’s birth.
“Family-wise, you would hear memories from my father or from our uncles, you would see them posting pictures or even just speaking to us in an environment talking about ‘I remember when Daddy did this or when he came from Africa or when Daddy did this interview or when he was in Italy,’ Mersa said at the time. So, we always hear those reflections, speaking about those things, about the role that he played not only as family member and father, but also in the world and the impact he had on the Reggae community and the Reggae culture, the roots, bringing forward the message of Rastafari and love, over all love…”
Also mourning Mersa’s death on Tuesday was Jamaican politician, Mark J. Golding.
I’ve just learned of the tragic loss of Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley. A talented young reggae artiste, 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 & the entire family. pic.twitter.com/BJf1NLH6Qc
— Mark J. Golding (@MarkJGolding) December 27, 2022
“I’ve just learned of the tragic loss of Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley. A talented young reggae artiste, son of Stephen Marley & grandson of Bob Marley at only 31 yrs old,” he tweeted. “The loss of a child is a devastating blow no parent should face, my condolences to Stephen & the entire family.”
Read more tributes to Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley below.
Absolutely shocked to the core
What a delightful young man, we spent some time on tour in America a few times in recent years a real Marley to the core.
Wicked Sound, Beautiful Soul
Rest In Paradise Jo Mersa Marley❤️💛💚 pic.twitter.com/RU92BcyNuS
— ALI CAMPBELL (@UB40) December 28, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of Reggae star, Stephen Marley and grand son 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. pic.twitter.com/6DyHkYcNsI
— Hon.Olivia Grange (@Babsy_grange) December 27, 2022
IN THE NEWS @ https://t.co/g2OwZXb66CSAD NEWS 😢 REST IN POWER JO MERSA MARLEY 🙏 [March 12, 1991 – December 27, 2022] #JoMersaMarley #RIP #RestInPower #Reggae #Reggaeville pic.twitter.com/aFbz12fhXx
— REGGAEVILLE.com (@reggaeville) December 27, 2022
Rest in power Jo Mersa Marley 🕊️ sending our heartfelt condolences to family and friends. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/kbSUO8NoG4
— VP Records (@VPRecords) December 28, 2022
Bob Marley’s grandson Jo Mersa Marley has died at 31, apparently following an asthma attack.This is such sad news.We have the drugs and knowledge to deal with Asthma.RIP Jo and condolences to his father Stephen and the whole Marley family. pic.twitter.com/pzNSDhFACs
— Maurice Mcleod (he/him) (@mowords) December 28, 2022
My deepest condolences to Stephen Marley and the entire Marley family. May Joseph Marley, better known as Jo Mersa, rest in peace!! My goodness!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/XOVOBaRUDJ
— Maliika Walker (@maliikawalker) December 27, 2022