Free concert with Ky-Mani Marley, Arthur Lee Land Saturday

Click to Enlarge Browse and Buy Summit Daily Photos Ky-Mani Marley Special to the Daily

By LESLIE BREFELD
Summit Daily News
April 20, 2007

BRECKENRIDGE — As one of reggae legend Bob Marley’s sons, Ky-Mani Marley carries on the vibration, but interpreted through his own life.

Marley grew up mostly in the States, and said he identifies with the culture and musical influences of Miami more than those of Jamaica. He is currently finishing off a new CD with a September release date which he says “is not going to be what most people expect.” His sound is often described as having an urban edge, and Ky-Mani reaffirms this, saying his latest album will not be hard-core reggae.

“This is only coming from me, directly from my heart, no fiction, all fact,” he said.

“I’m not duplicating what my father did. I have a strong background, but I have my own struggle to speak about.”

Ky-Mani didn’t test out his genetically favored musical capabilities (instead choosing sports) until high school when he tooled around in a studio with a friend. It sounded good, and led him to pursue expression through music. Yet he’s also acted in films, saying he loves to perform on screen or on stage.

Ky-Mani is the only child of table tennis champion Anita Belnavis and Bob Marley.
He is tight with his brothers, and often performs with them.

“Dad left such a great legacy ... I always say that’s why he had so many sons — no one son could do it,” Ky-Mani said.

Ky-Mani puts on a free show Saturday at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge at 3 p.m. for Breck’s closing weekend.