The grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, and son of musician Stephen Marley, Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley, died at 31. No cause of death was provided by the rep of the late artist. However, a tweet made around the same time suggested that he was found unresponsive in a vehicle. It read, “Jamaican/American Artiste, Joseph Marley, who’s also known as Jo Mersa (@JoMersaMarley), was found dead today in the USA. Marley was found unresponsive in a vehicle. Marley is the son of Reggae Star Stephen Marley & the grandson of reggae legend, Bob Marley.”
South Florida radio station WZPP also confirmed the news on their Instagram. It read, “Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that Jo’Mersa Marley, son of Stephen Marley and grandson of Bob Marley, has passed away unexpectedly from an asthma attack. He was found in his vehicle earlier this morning. Known for his hit “Burn It Down” the reggae artist leaves behind his wife and daughter. We send our deepest condolences to the Marley family during this difficult time.”
Bob Marley grandson Jo Mersa found unresponsive in vehicle
In a separate interview, he has explained that he does not feel any obligation to live up to his last name. He said, “There’s things that you have to overcome and things you just have to do and that’s how it is. We have to go through life you know? There’s no pressure for me. I give thanks for being a Marley. I’m very appreciative and thankful that I am born where I am born and put where God has decided. I’m very thankful about it and proud.”
Jo Mersa opened up about his songwriting process back in 2021. He said, “In all honesty, it depends on the vibe because sometimes you will have a tune or idea, like a whole tune is in your head but no beat, and other times, you have a beat and no tune. That’s for me, of course. I can’t speak for everyone. Some songs I am able to finish in a night, and some take longer.”
#JUST_IN: Jamaican/American Artiste, Joseph Marley, who's also known as Jo Mersa (@JoMersaMarley), was found dead today in the USA.
Marley was found unresponsive in a vehicle.
Marley is the son of Reggae Star Stephen Marley & the grandson of reggae legend, Bob Marley. pic.twitter.com/jyH8A4YkK6
— Abka Fitz-Henley (@AbkaFitzHenley) December 27, 2022
In 2021, he reflected on his grandfather’s legacy. He said, “We always hear those reflections, speaking about those things, about the role that he played not only as family member and father, but also in the world and the impact he had on the Reggae community and the Reggae culture, the roots, bringing forward the message of Rastafari and love, over all love.”
