Bob Marley's Grandson Joseph 'Jo Mersa' Marley Dead at 31

Mar. 15, 2025

Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley, the grandson of reggae legendBob Marleyand son of Grammy Award-winning musicianStephen Marley, has died. He was 31.

His representativeconfirmed his deathtoRolling Stoneon Tuesday.

Representatives for Jo Mersa did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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After beginning to write music in middle school, Jo Mersa released his first song “My Girl” — a collaboration with his cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley — in 2010. In 2014, Jo Mersa dropped his first EP, titledComfortable. His latest and second EP,Eternal, was released last year.

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“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,” he explained at the time.

Mourning the death of Jo Mersa on Tuesday, Mark J. Golding, a Jamaican politician, penned a heartfelt note 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,” he wrote. “The loss of a child is a devastating blow no parent should face, my condolences to Stephen & the entire family.”

Jamaican-American reggae musician Shaggy also posted a picture of Jo Mersa on his Instagram.

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Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, also honored Jo Mersa following his death.

Calling his death “a huge loss to the musicas we look to the next generation,” Holness, 50, added: “My heartfelt sympathies to Joseph’s friends and associates and to the Reggae music fraternity and fans everywhere.”

“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,” he wrote.

source: people.com