Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley, grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley and a respected musician himself, has died at the age of 31. A spokesman for the Jamaican-born artist confirmed his death to Rolling Stone music magazine, but did not give a cause of death. According to Miami-based broadcaster WZPP Radio, where Marley has lived much of his life, he was found dead in a car yesterday after suffering an asthma attack.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness tweeted that he was “deeply saddened” by the news of his death and offered his condolences to Marley’s parents, Stephen and Kerry Marley. Marley’s death is a “great loss for music” and the new generation of reggae.
Marley released his debut album “Comfortable” in 2016, followed by “Eternal” in 2021. In an interview with “Rolling Stone” in 2014, Marley described growing up in his family of musicians – in addition to his father Stephen, his uncle Ziggy also made music. “I came home and tried to do my homework, but I ended up getting distracted and stopped by the studio.” Marley leaves behind a wife and daughter.
