Legend Continues.. Bob Marley Son: Stephen Marley

Solo Jamaica debut for Stephen Marley

published: Friday | November 3, 2006
Jamaican Gleaner

Stephen Marley on stage at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest '05 in Montego Bay, St. James. - photo by Nagra Plunkett

Is Bob Marley reincarnated? Many who have seen son Stephen 'Ragga' Marley in performance seem to think so.

In fact, favourable comparisons to his legendary father are commonplace with Stephen, the uncanny similarity in vocal sound not the least of them.

But Jamaica, the country of birth of the legendary 'Gong', has never witnessed Stephen in performance alone.

Until now.

Stephen Marley will make his debut solo performance in Jamaica on Friday, December 22, on the 'Welcome to Jamrock' show along with brother Damian. The full line-up is a week away from being finalised, according to Jerome Hamilton, publicist for the event and head of Headline Entertainment.

Stephen, 34, has spent more time being a musician than an entertainer. His diverse talents - singing, deejaying, writing and producing - have earned him credits for seven Grammy awards, the latest of which was with Jr. Gong's Welcome to Jamrock album on which he worked as executive producer. Yet, he remains a "reluctant entertainer", according to Hamilton.

This fact, however, seems to belie his stage persona. Though Hamilton admits that he has never seen Stephen perform solo, and it is within reason that few from Jamaica have, he notes that all of Marley's performances have been followed with rave reviews.

The Boston Herald, in the article published August 26, 2006 entitled 'Reggae fans enjoy bong show', dubbed Stephen's performance at the Roots Rock Reggae Festival, a month long tribute to his father, "thrilling, electrically charged". "...The younger Marley evoked the original Tuff Gong without mimicry, but with passion and feel that can't be taught or learned."

And www.rootzreggae.com, in speaking of his performance at the same festival, this time in Philadelphia, said: "On stage, Stephen has the total persona of Bob Marley, with all the slurs, phrasing and timing of the Reggae Maestro himself."

But on an average concert day the Jamaican crowd is a tough one. When you are a Marley the expectations are even higher.

Stephen is set to perform a 35 - 45 minute set on the show which should include songs from his father's catalogue and his upcoming debut album, Mind Control. The album, which features the single Traffic Jam with Damian and Buju Banton, is set for release in February 2007.