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Biography
Surrounded by music from his birth with his musical legend of a father at the helm, Marley got his first taste of performing at the age of 13 performing with the group The Shephards, an amalgamation of musician’s offspring, alongside Freddie McGregor’s daughter and Third World’s Cat Core’s son.
After the diffusion of the band, Marley went solo with the support of his father’s record label Tuff Gong and in 1996 he released his debut album “Mr. Marley”. He released his second album “Halfway Tree” in 2001, the name acting as a metaphor for the divide between the rich and the poor parts of town, a tree which bears significance to Jamaican natives and a feature on his father’s album artwork. The album earned Marley a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2002.
Three years later came the release of his third album “Welcome to Jamrock” which eventually was certified gold in the US and included the singles “The Master Has Come Back” and “Road to Zion” which featured US rapper Nas. The album covered themes of poverty, crime and corruption, portraying a harsh reality contrary to the idyllic picture painting Jamaica as the perfect tourist attraction. In 2006, the album won both Best Reggae Album and Best Urban/Alternative Performance.
In 2010, Marley collaborated once again with rapper Nas, this time producing the album “Distant Relatives” inspired both musically and lyrically by their African ancestry with the album proceeds being donated to building schools in Congo. Debuting at number five in the Billboard charts, the album featured the singles “As We Enter”, “Strong Will Continue” and “My Generation.
The following year came the revelation of the super-group SuperHeavy which Marley had been working on with Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and Eurythmic’s Dave Stewart who together merged the sounds of Indian Orchestras with the essence of nature native to Jamaica. In 2011, the band released their self-titled album with the lead single “Miracle Worker”. Marley has also worked with the likes of Skrillex, Cypress Hill and Bruno Mars.
Live reviews
Damian Marley live makes you feel like your in Jamaica having the most amazing time of your life. Not more than a month ago, I ventured out to the "fantasy" world of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Tenessee. I clearly went to some of the most memorable shows I have ever been to in my many years of going to concerts week after week. But Damian Marley's performance was the one that stood out the most to me, the one that spread the most good vibes, energy, and music. I personally enojy most music genres and spend a great amount of time listening to raggae, from Peter Tosh and John Holt to modern raggeae like Alborosie and Slightly Stoopid. I have always been really thankful for raggae music for always making me feel happy whenever I listen to it. I love it so much that I have visited Jamaica and been to the surroundings of where Bob Marley used to live and also where his son Damian lives now near the mountains between Falmouth and Montego Bay. Regarding the concert, Damian Marley came out and played his hits 'Welcome To Jamrock' and 'Make It Bun Dem' among other many songs to make the crowd go crazy and put an enormous smile on everyones' faces as they waved their hands from side to side with the rythm.
Something that was extremely special about this show was that it was during Fathers Day, so Damian played tribute to his dead father (R.I.P) and played "Get Up Stand Up" which was really emotional for me and everyone to see. But I would not rather see anyone else cover a Bob Marley song more than his own son. Anyway if you ever get a chance to see Damian Marley in concert let me say its worth the hours of travel, he will always please and surprise the audience by simply doing what he enjoys the most and being himself on stage.
isaacelizondo
I saw Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley at Governor's ball this year and I felt transported back to when I went to Jamaica on college spring break. Songs like "No Women, No Cry," "Three Little Birds," and "Could You Be Loved" completely fulfilled by Bob Marley dreams, while Damian Marley's "Welcome to Jamrock," and "Road to Zion" totally pumped the crowd up before the evening even began. Skrillex even played "Make it Bun Dem" later in the night to really complete the Damian Marley experience. If you were really into Bob Marley and The Wailers when you were a kid you will absolutely love seeing Damian Marley. He is much like his father but has his own modern twist, sort of alternative with bits of hip hop which send you back to the 90’s as well. The atmosphere was great, there was a great breeze coming in from around Randall's Island and people were getting in the mood, swaying and dancing from the very start. Damian Marley is truly a full performer, his band and backup singers had so much energy that kept the crowd going the whole time. "Get Up, Stand Up" sounded as great live as it does on your iPod. When Marley sand his Dad, Bob Marley's songs he was just incredible, a magical voice. Marley was a bit late but the concert was well worth it.
Parisgirl211
Damian Marley is Bob Marley's youngest son and despite the legendary singer passing away when Damian was just two, his legacy and music has had clear influence on Damian. Now incorporating everything that Marley stood for into his live show, Damian tours the globe performing his own reggae and covers of his father's iconic work.
Damian has had the opportunity to work with a range of huge artists including Gwen Stefani, Nas and Skrillex and these collaborations are often dropped into his bright and breezy sets. The whole show has a feeling of free love and peace with Marley constantly talking to his audience about the need for unity and acceptance. Damian is a showman and he leads his brilliant live band through a varied set which keeps the audience dancing to the Jamaican vibes.
Bob Marley favourites such as 'Confrontation' and 'Could You Be Loved' receive huge cheers as it is a wonderful opportunity to hear these much loved songs. Yet Damian's own track 'Welcome To Jamrock' may well receive the largest cheer of the evening.
sean-ward
Damian performed all the greats and even some of Bob Marley's songs. His backup singers and band are stellar. He came back for an encore performance and performed more songs, I still couldn't get enough. I will see him every time he comes to LA or near LA. He has a wonderful audience and I was so happy to be a part of it and experience the energy and such an amazing performance.
He will be one of the GREATEST performers in history.
Thank you, Damian!!
Mona Writes xoxo
simonia7-1
Amazing!! This concert lifted my spirits! Stephen, and Damian were amazing as well as their nephews and sons. I missed Morgan Heritage and Tarrus but I'm sure they were just a wonderful. I will never forget this experience. The Marleys give me a taste of their father while also being their own individuals. Unforgettable. Great Vibes.
musicravin
Giant son of reggae. Hope to see him again soon. Wherever his father is must be proud by his objectives and great vision of life being inherited.
Performance couldn't end better than Road to zion and Jamrock. Very grateful
marco-resendes-teves
I enjoyed all the artist especially Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley. I would love to see him in concert performing for like two hours so I could sing along to all the songs, when is this going to happen in New York.
eudes4568
The Berkeley show was absolutely amazing. That was my first Jr.Gong show, I stuck around afterward and got an autograph and a hug. All the songs from the new album on constant rotation in my home. Bless Up!
shayla-stoddard
I loved it!. It was more than what I expected. Good vibes. From the venue to the people. My friend and I had a Amazing time, she loved it as well. It was her birthday and she had a great time... Thank you!
D951G
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