Bob Marley’s grandson Jo Mersa dies aged 31

Jamaican artist Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley – grandson of reggae icon Bob Marley – has died aged 31 in the United States.

Jo Mersa’s death was confirmed to CNN Brazil, this Wednesday (28), by a representative of the singer. The cause of death has not yet been determined.

“With a heavy and sad heart, yes, Jo Mersa Marley has passed away,” the statement said.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness took to Twitter to mourn the death.

“I am deeply saddened by the news that artist Joseph Marley, son of reggae star Stephen Marley and grandson of reggae superstar Bob Marley, has died,” the premier wrote.

This is truly sad news; sending strength to the Marley family at this time.

Repost/video credit @Babsy_grange :

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. pic.twitter.com/OsXQKYOKEi

—Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) December 28, 2022

Holness also extended “his deepest condolences” to Joseph’s family, friends and all fans.

“His untimely death at the tender age of 31 is a great loss to music as we look to the next generation. May he find eternal peace as we mourn his loss during this time of benevolence as we celebrate with family and friends our love for one another,” concluded the Prime Minister.

Born in the Jamaican capital of Kingston on March 12, 1991, Jo Mersa first stepped on stage at age four during a concert by his father, Stephen Marley.

Member of one of the most consecrated families in the history of world music, he also shared the stage with his uncle Ziggy Marley and his aunts Cedella and Sharon in performances by the band “Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers”.

He came to the United States at the age of 11, when he moved to Miami and accompanied the musical creations of his father and uncle Damian Marley at Stephen’s Lion’s Den studio.

While attending Miami Dade College to become a sound engineer, he built his own artistic career while on vacation.

In 2014, he released his own EP titled “Comfortable”. His last musical release was in 2021, with the second EP, “Eternal”.

“The aim of this EP is to have an eternal vibe, positive music and music that speaks to each and every individual, there is a track for everyone”, said Jo Mersa, in a press release for the release of the disc.

in an interview to the Nation of Music website to promote the EP, Jo Mersa was introduced and created a taste for Brazilian culture through his family. He said that Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Neymar and Pelé are among his favorite soccer players, that he was a big fan of samba and dreamed of a tour in Brazil.

Jo Mersa Marley is survived by his wife Qiara Marley and their six-year-old daughter, Sunshine.