The Marley family has been rocked by the devastating news of 31-year-old Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley’s untimely death.
According to Rolling Stone, Joseph was found dead inside a vehicle on December 26 in Miami-Dade County. Although the cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, WZPP claimed that the reggae artist passed away from an asthma attack.
The South Florida radio station posted the news to its Instagram page writing, “Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that Jo’Mersa Marley, son of Stephen Marley and grandson of Bob Marley, has passed away unexpectedly from an asthma attack. He was found in his vehicle earlier this morning. Known for his hit “Burn It Down,” the reggae artist leaves behind his wife and daughter. We send our deepest condolences to the Marley family during this difficult time. #JoMersaMarley #WZPP #WZOP #Marley #StephenMarley #BobMarley #JoMersa #Reggae #RIP.”
View this post on Instagram
Upon the news of Joseph’s passing, shockwaves spread throughout social media.
Dad Stephen Marley hasn’t made any comments regarding Joseph’s death.
Jamaican reggae star Shaggy posted a touching tribute on his Instagram page.
The “Bombastic” singer wrote, “So saddened by the news of the passing of this young king @jomersamarley sending prayers and condolences to the Marley family.”
View this post on Instagram
President of PNP Mark Golding also expressed his condolences to the Marley family on Twitter.
“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.”
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
The 31-year-old reggae singer followed in the steps of his father and grandfather before him. The “Comfortable” artist was born in Jamaica but moved to Miami, Florida, at age 11. He also studied studio engineering at Miami Dade University. Joseph even collaborated on a project with his dad in 2016.
In 2014, Joseph spoke with the Jamaica Observer about the influence the Marley legacy has had on him and why he began making music.
“I decided I wanted to do music from I was 11. Me and my cousin Daniel began to make beats with MPCs (MIDI Production Center or Music Production Controller –a popular electronic musical instrument series), but I wouldn’t save them properly. Then when I was around 12, my cousins and I went on the Melody Makers’ Roots Rock tour. Uncle Ziggy bought my cousins an Apple laptop, and we used the Garage Band software and made our beats on it.”
“We recorded from the microphone, put on our headphones, and that became our studio for a good three years. That is when my songwriting started to get more focused.”
He also admitted that his musical influence was his father, an eight-time Grammy Award winner.
“My father has created a legacy by putting out songs with meaning. It’s something I have to live up to,” Joseph said.
The reggae artist’s last performance was in November, according to his last Instagram post.
“Excited to be performing at @monitorawards @monitorlatino_ on with @maffio @maestromarley @julianrmarley on the 30th of this month,” he wrote.
View this post on Instagram
He is survived by his wife, daughter, father and siblings.
