Joseph “Jo” Mersa Marley, 31, was born in Jamaica, the son of reggae artist and Grammy Award winner Stephen Marley and Kerry-Ann Smith, the younger sister of the iconic “Carlene the Dancehall Queen.”
Jo Mersa followed the Marley family tradition and was himself a reggae singer and songwriter. At the age of four, he performed with his uncle Ziggy Marley in the family band, The Melody Makers.
His career began when he moved to Miami and released his first single during his teen years, the dancehall song “My Girl,” in 2010. The track featured Ziggy Marley’s son Daniel Bambaata, Jo Marley’s cousin. He had success in the music industry and in 2014 released his first solo EP, “Comfortable.”
His recording of the political anthem, “Burn It Down,” which was released with his brother Yohan Marley, brought him additional professional opportunities, and following its release, his name became well known to the general public.
Reggae Revellers shares the loss, sadness and condolences to the family and fans and celebrities, who have shared their grief over social media.
Sharing one of the videos Reggae Revellers posted two years ago featuring Jo Mersa with Alborosie an iconic track at the time.
