Joe Mersa.
From 9 Mile to Hope Road
Stars line up for unforgettable night of music, tribute at 3rd Jo Mersa birthday celebration
Julian Marley, one of the acts for the third Jo Mersa Marley Birthday Celebration, scheduled for March 8 at Bob Marley Museum, likens his late nephew to one of the Bible’s great figures.
The Grammy winner told the Jamaica Observer that the show, which also features Jo Mersa’s father Stephen, his brothers and sister, is all about family.
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“It is important because this is about our children, and we need to show our love as a family. Also, as an artiste, he [Jo Mersa] had a lot to say, so we need to keep echoing his sound out there so people know what Jo had to say,” said Julian. “He was named Joseph, and like Joseph from the Bible, he was a visionary, yuh know, a real leader, even from a very young age.”
Jo Mersa died in Miami, Florida, in December 2022 at age 31.
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Saturday’s celebration will also see performances from his uncles Kymani and Damian (Jr Gong), as well as brothers Hymn and Yohan and sister Mystic.
Julian said he knew from early that Jo Mersa would carry on the Marley tradition.
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“Mi have whole heap of memories of him. Fondest memories… of him running around Hope Road as a yute and just a kick ball. Also, as a likkle three- or four-year-old just going on the drum set and playing; you woulda think it was a big man playing dem drums deh,” he recalled. “It just goes to show the spirit of the music, the spirit of the lineage is strong. It’s the same way all of us used to play the drums.”
A release from Tuff Gong International said the event is: “More than just a concert, the birthday celebration is a moment for the reggae fraternity to reflect on Jo Mersa’s contributions, his artistry, and the Marley family’s enduring legacy.”
The show’s Marley presence will also include Jo Mersa cousins Skip and Soul-Rebel.
Bounty Killer, Tarrus Riley, Spragga Benz, Jesse Royal, Bugle, Agent Sasco, Jah 9, Lila Ike, Ras I, Christopher Ellis, Natalie Rize, Jaz Elise, Jemere Morgan, Kelissa, Black Am I, and Amlak Redsquare are also billed to perform.
Guiding the night’s proceedings will be renowned broadcaster Ron Muschette. Music by DJ Rasarella will keep the energy high throughout the night.
Gates open at 6:00 pm.
Ellis, the son of rocksteady legend Alton Ellis, said he and Jo Mersa shared more than a love for music.
“Me and Jo share the same birth date, March 12, and I’ve spent months and months with Jo living in his house. I got to learn with him and vibe with him. He would always ask me, ‘What do you think of this, Ellis?’ Even when it’s ‘sick’, he would still wanna hear some approval,” Ellis reminisced.
Jo Mersa’s recording career began in 2010 with the song My Girl, a collaboration with his cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley, son of his uncle Ziggy Marley.
As the grandson of music legends Bob and Rita Marley, Jo Mersa was known for seamlessly blending traditional reggae with contemporary influences, crafting a sound that resonated with both long-time reggae enthusiasts and a new generation of listeners.
He collaborated with his father on Revelation Party, which appeared on Revelation Pt II: The Fruit of Life, Stephen’s 2016 album.
Jo Mersa released two EPs — Comfortable in 2014 and Eternal, released in 2021.
