Joseph Mersa Marley
By Our Reporter
The grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley has died at the age of 31. Joseph Mersa Marley, a Jamaican-American reggae artist who went by the stage name Jo Mersa, was reportedly found unresponsive in a vehicle yesterday (December 27).
The initial announcement by the streaming service TIDAL did not specify where in the United States he died. He had reportedly suffered from asthma his entire life, and the Florida radio station WZPP claimed he died of an asthma attack.
He is the grandson of Bob Marley and the son of Stephen Marley. Bob, who died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 36, is widely considered a pioneer of reggae music.
Joseph spent his early years in Jamaica, where he attended school, before moving to Florida to study studio engineering. In 2014 he released the EP Comfortable and in 2021 he came out with Eternal.
Mark J. Golding, president of the People’s National Party in Jamaica, said on Twitter: “I’ve just learned of the tragic loss of Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley. A talented young reggae artiste, son of Stephen Marley & grandson of Bob Marley at only 31 yrs old. The loss of a child is a devastating blow no parent should face, my condolences to Stephen & the entire family.”
