The reggae and dancehall community is set to converge in Nine Miles, St. Ann to pay tribute to the late Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley on March 9. 

The celebration, produced by the Marley Family, will feature live performances to honour the life of the first child of Stephen Marley and grandson of the legendary Bob Marley. Jo Mersa, was poised to make significant strides in the industry before his sudden passing, due to acute asthma exacerbation, in December 2022.

This staging is the second tribute to Jo Mersa’s life, work and will be hosted days before what would have been his 33rd birthday on March 12. 

Last year’s concert featured prominent names of the reggae and dancehall scene and friends of the Marley family such as Sizzla, Spragga Benz and Capleton. The Marley brothers and second generation Marley talent will also perform at the small, rural community, which is the birthplace of Bob Marley and where both the reggae icon and Jo Mersa are interred.

Twice as many acts are confirmed to attend and pay tribute this time around with Kabaka Pyramid, Jahshi, Lutan Fyah, Bugle, Christopher Ellis, and Black Am I among the performers. The event will also feature juggling from Bass Odyssey, Rasarella and Rory Stone Love and emcee Ron Muschette hosting the proceedings.

Jo Mersa Marley was a promising reggae singer-songwriter who continued his family’s legacy in the music industry on the Ghetto Youths International — a Marley label imprint. His collaborations with his father, uncles and recording artistes like Etana and the reggae group Morgan Heritage showcased his talent and dedication to the craft.

Jo Mersa Marley’s musical journey began in 2014 with the EP ‘Comfortable‘, which had the memorable ‘Rock and Swing‘. Between 2014 and 2022 he released several singles that garnered attention and acclaim within the industry including ‘Burn It Down‘ with his brother Yohan Marley in 2019. ‘Made It‘ was a standout collaboration with labelmate Kabaka Pyramid, on his 2021 EP Eternal, which also featured ‘Yo Dawg‘ with Busy Signal and ‘No Way Out‘, featuring Black Am I. 

Admission to the tribute concert is pre-sold for J$3,500, and J$5,000 at the gate.