Reggae stars celebrate Jo Mersa Marley

It was a night to celebrate and reflect on the life of Joseph 'Jo Mersa' Marley, and his family pulled out all the stops last Saturday at the Old Soul Acoustic Unplugged concert held at the former home of his grandfather Bob.

More than a dozen artistes came out to support his father, Stephen and mother Kerry-Ann, as well as his siblings and daughter, Sunshine Marley. THE STAR caught up with a few of them, who all spoke about his incredible talent as well as his giving nature. Reggae singer Richie Spice said that he can still remember the playful child and the happy teen he met years ago.

"Tonight, it's just a great vibration as we celebrate his life. I knew Jo when he was a child, but as an adult, I never really got the opportunity to sit and reason with him. I know Stephen, so I had to be here to give my support musically and in any way I can," he said.

Jemere Morgan, son of reggae legend Gramps Morgan, said that he had to be at the concert because he and Jo Mersa became close when they stepped out into their independence almost a decade ago.

"I'm excited that his life is being celebrated the way it is. Jo was a very close brother to me. I toured with him in America with J Boog from Hawaii, for seven weeks, and that 2017 tour allowed both of us to grow up as we were away from our dads and family. So though we were under their umbrella, it was the first time stepping out by ourselves, so we got up to some trouble, yes. Memba them time deh me a bald head too. It was just a good experience and time all around," he said. Morgan said he and Jo Mersa were the first Marley and Morgan to tour together, "truly being the next generation of artistes".

"To be here tonight is definitely an honour as we've been through a lot of journeys together. We as musicians have a thing where when one of us passes and is gone physically, our music is what is left on this Earth. So I'm glad he left a great catalogue for his children, his family and all the people who were supportive of him when he was here in the physical," he said.

As Jo Mersa's uncle Julian Marley said, sometimes when he thinks about him, memories of the child with the wide grin spring to mind.

"I know a lot [of] people have come out, as I can feel the love and the good vibes. My nephew was special. I can remember driving, and me have him pon me lap as a toddler or when he got older, and he came to me as his uncle, and we had some deep connection, reasoning about life. All I can say about his passing is that Jah Almighty controls all things, which is why we try to live good and clean. Jo wouldn't have wanted us to mourn for long, so for me, the lesson is to gain spiritual strength from this," he said.

For reggae artiste Ras-I, Jo Mersa was more like a brother than a friend.

"To be a part of this is something special because Joseph and I grew up together as family. We used to be here at Hope Road a run up and down, and play football, so we were more than just childhood friends, we were family. Then, as we got older and got into music, I remember the pre-rehearsal jam sessions when the musicians came in to set up and then went outside to smoke. Jo and I got to play some music and just idle on the drums, the bass and the keyboard. His passing for me is heavy. Out of nowhere. We had plans with each other that we never got to fulfil, so it's a heavy one for me."

Jo Mersa was born on March 12, 1991, and died on December 27, 2022, of acute asthma exacerbation.

His father, Stephen Marley, announced the launch of the Jo Mersa Legacy Fund on Thursday, the actual date of his birthday. He shared that the project will support the youth and give them access to music, wellness, and inspiration.