Cal Gaunt
Bob Marley’s grandson Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley has tragically died aged 31.
His father, Stephen Marley, is an eight-time Grammy award-winning artist and the son of reggae legend Bob.
Following in their footsteps, Joseph was also a musician and previously spoke of carving out a path for himself as part of the ‘new generation’ of his talented family.
His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the music community and a number of stars have now taken to social media to pay tribute.
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A South Florida radio station, WZPP RADIO, was the first to break the news, with a representative of Joseph’s then confirming the report to Rolling Stone later in the day.
He is said to have been found ‘unresponsive’ in a vehicle and reports suggest he may have suffered from a fatal asthma attack.
However, an official cause of death has yet to be revealed.
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On Instagram, dancehall artist Sean Paul wrote: “Rest in peace. My condolences to Stephen Marley and the entire Marley family, all his friends and fans.”
‘It Wasn’t Me’ hitmaker, Shaggy, added: “So sad to hear the news of this young king’s death.
“Sending prayers and condolences to the Marley family.”
DJ Khaled also paid tribute, saying: “Stephen Marley, my deepest condolences. My prayers are with you and your family.”
As well as musicians, a number of politicians in Joseph’s homeland Jamaica were also shaken by the news of his death.
Jamaican minister Olivia Grange wrote on Twitter: “My heartfelt sympathies to Joseph’s friends and associates and to the reggae music fraternity and fans everywhere.”
She added: “His untimely passing at the young age of 31 is a huge loss to music as we look to the next generation.
“May he find eternal peace as we mourn his loss during this season of goodwill, when we celebrate with family and friends our love for each other.”
Jamaica’s opposition leader, Mark J Golding, said: “I’ve just learned of the tragic loss of Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley.
“A talented young reggae artiste, son of Stephen Marley and grandson of Bob Marley at only 31 years old.
“The loss of a child is a devastating blow no parent should face, my condolences to Stephen and the entire family.”
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Tidal, the music streaming service partially owned by rapper Jay Z, tweeted: “Forever in our hearts. RIP Jo Mersa Marley.”
Joseph made his music debut in 2010, with the single ‘My Girl’ and performed under the stage name ‘Jo Mersa’.
He then released his first EP, ‘Comfortable’, in 2014 before dropping his debut album ‘Eternal’ in 2021.
As well as collaborating with his father Stephen, Joseph appeared on the Grammy-winning album Strictly Roots by Morgan Heritage.
He was brought up in Jamaica and attended school there before moving to Miami aged 11, where he continued his education.
He then went on to study studio engineering at Miami Dade College.
Joseph’s grandfather, Bob, died in 1981 aged 36 after a battle with cancer.
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