Grandson Of Bob Marley, Jo Mersa, Dies At 31

Grandson Of Bob Marley, Jo Mersa, Dies At 31

Bob Marley’s grandson, Joseph Marley, known professionally as Jo Mersa has died at the age of 31.

The Jamaican-American recording artist and DJ, was found unconscious in a vehicle on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. 

A representative for the reggae artist confirmed his death to Rolling Stone. A cause of death was not immediately given, however, journalists with South Florida radio station WZPP claimed on Instagram that he died “unexpectedly from an asthma attack”.

“I am deeply saddened by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of Reggae star, Stephen Marley and grand son of Reggae super star, Bob Marley  has died.

We were graced by Joseph,whose stage name was Jo Mersa, performing at our Jamaica 60 Launch in Miramar,  Florida, USA in May.” — The Minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Honourable Olivia Grange said.

Joseph Marley was born on March 12, 1991. He gained experience of his craft even at the early age, performing on stage at age 4 with Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers — his father, his uncle Ziggy, and his aunts Cedella and Sharon — during that group’s concert finales.

Jo Marsa officially released his debut Music in 2010 titled “My Girl,” which he collaborated with his older cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley, released on the Marley family’s imprint record label Ghetto Youths International and produced by his father. 

This was followed by the breakthrough track “Bad So” in 2012, with his debut EP, Comfortable, coming out in 2014.

He has worked with several artists including Jesse Royal, Alborosie, Farruko, Jemere Morgan, Barbara Fialho, the Grandpickneys, and Morgan Heritage; and recently in spring 2022, Joseph appeared with his uncles Ky-Mani and Julian Marley on Dominican music producer Maffio’s reggaeton track, “Blessings.”