Bob Marley’s Grandson, Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley, Dead At 31

Bob Marley’s Grandson, Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley, Dead At 31

Sad news!

According to reports, on Tuesday (Dec. 27) Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley — the grandson of the late reggae legend Bob Marley — died at 31.

Joseph Marley, son of Grammy-Award-winner Stephen Marley, was found unresponsive in his vehicle. His official autopsy report has not yet been released.

Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley

Joseph Marley reportedly moved to Miami from Jamaica at the age of 11. He studied engineering at Miami Dade College, but always shared his love for the music he was exposed to at an early age by his father, who was one of Bob Marley’s 11 children. As you may already know, Bob Marley died at the age of 36 in 1981 from acral lentiginous melanoma.

Jo Mersa released his first song “My Girl”  in 2010. In 2014, he debuted his first EP “Comfortable.”  His latest and second EP, “Eternal,” was released last year.

Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley, his wife and daughter

While promoting the tracks, the musician opened up about his grandfather’s legacy and always reminisced on the memories his family shared with him. Joseph previously explained:

“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.” he explained at the time.

Mourning the death of Jo Mersa, Mark J. Golding, a Jamaican politician, wrote a heartfelt note on Twitter on Tuesday (Dec. 27). He penned:

“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.”

Reggae musician Shaggy also mourned the artist on social media. Shaggy, born Orville Richard Burrell, took to Instagram and shared: 

“So saddened by the news of the passing of this young king @jomersamarley sending prayers and condolences to the Marley family.”

theJasmineBRAND sends our condolences to  Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley’s loved ones. 

[VIA]