Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2025

Bob Marley's grandson Joseph Mersa Marley dies aged 31

Bob Marley's grandson Joseph Mersa Marley dies aged 31

Bob Marley’s grandson, Joseph ‘Mersa’ Marley, has reportedly died at the age of 31.

Political figures in Jamaica paid tribute to the musician, whose father is Bob’s son Stephen Marley, after reports emerged claiming Joseph died in Florida on Tuesday morning.

South Florida radio station WZPP RADIO was among the first to report the news and claimed Joseph was found unresponsive in a vehicle. A rep for Joseph later confirmed the news to Rolling Stone.


Joseph Mersa Marley reportedly died in Florida on Tuesday

However, a cause of death has not been confirmed.

Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Honorable Olivia Grange, led tributes for Joseph and tweeted: ‘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.

‘I extend my deepest condolences to Stephen, Jo’s mom, Kerry, the Marleys and other family members. 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 31y.o. is a huge loss to the 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 leader of the opposition, Mark J Golding, also said: ‘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.’

Joseph was a musician in his own right and released his debut EP in 2014

Joseph’s father Stephen Marley is son of late reggae legend Bob Marley

One Love hitmaker Bob Marley died in 1981 aged 36 following a battle with cancer


Tidal, the streaming service part-owned by Jay Z, also tweeted: ‘Forever in our hearts. RIP Jo Mersa Marley.’

Hailing from music royalty as part of the Marley family, Joseph was also a musician in his own right having released his debut EP, Comfortable, in 2014. Boasting six songs, the record featured guest appearances from reggae musicians Wayne Marshall and Jemere Morgan.


His second album, Eternal, was released in 2021 and featured the likes of Busy Signal and Melii.

As well as collaborating with his father Stephen, Joseph appeared on the Grammy-winning album Strictly Roots by Morgan Heritage.

The singer was raised in Jamaica, where he attended Saints Peter and Paul Preparatory School, before moving to Florida where he was a student at
Palmetto High School.

He studied studio engineering while at Miami Dade College.

Joseph’s grandfather, reggae legend Bob, died in 1981 at the age of 36 following a battle with cancer.

Bob is one of the most celebrated musical figures and is best known for songs such as No Woman No Cry, One Love, Jamming and Could You Be Loved.

Joseph is survived by a wife and daughter.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
UK Home Secretary Apologizes Over Child Grooming Failures
Trump Organization Launches 5G Mobile Network and Golden Handset
Towcester Hosts 2025 English Greyhound Derby Amid Industry Scrutiny
Gary Oldman and David Beckham Knighted in King's Birthday Honours
Over 30,000 Lightning Strikes Recorded Across UK During Overnight Storms
Princess of Wales Returns to Public Duties at Trooping the Colour
Red Arrows Use Sustainable Fuel in Historic Trooping the Colour Flypast
Former Welsh First Minister Addresses Unionist Concerns Over Irish Language
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
France Bars Israeli Arms Companies from Paris Defense Expo
King Charles Leads Tribute to Air India Crash Victims at Trooping the Colour
Jack Pitchford Embarks on 200-Mile Walk to Support Stem Cell Charity
Surrey Hikers Take on Challenge of Climbing 11 Peaks in a Single Day
UK Deploys RAF Jets to Middle East Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Two Skydivers Die in 'Tragic Accident' at Devon Airfield
Sainsbury's and Morrisons Accused of Displaying Prohibited Tobacco Ads
UK Launches National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Families Seek Closure After Air India Crash
Gold Emerges as Global Safe Haven Amid Uncertainty
Trump Reports $57 Million Earnings from Crypto Venture
Trump's Military Parade Sparks Concerns Over Authoritarianism
Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Challenge Trump's Leadership
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Germany Holds First Veterans Celebration Since WWII
U.S. Health Secretary Dismisses CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee
Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed in Targeted Attack; Senator John Hoffman and Wife Injured
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
HSBC Accelerates Chairman Succession as Mark Tucker Prepares Departure
Wreck of $17 Billion San José Galleon Identified Off Colombia After 300 Years
Cristina Kirchner Requests House Arrest Citing Assassination Risk
Beata Thunberg Rebrands as Beata Ernman Amidst Sister's Activism Controversy
Israel Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Potential Retaliation and Nuclear Facilities
Black Box Recovered from Air India Crash Site
Sole Survivor of Air India Crash Recounts Escape
UK and EU Reach New Economic Agreement
Coinbase CEO Warns Bitcoin Could Supplant US Dollar Amid Mounting National Debt
Trump to Iran: Make a Deal — Sign or Die
Two Women Found Dead in Eryri National Park
Operation "Like a Lion": Israel Strikes Iran in Unprecedented Offensive
Pentagon Initiates Review of AUKUS Nuclear Submarine Pact
×