Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange has extended condolences to the family of reggae singer Jo Mersa Marley, the son of Stephen Marley, who was found dead today. He was 31.
Reports are that the Jamaican-American musician, who resided in the United States, was reportedly found unresponsive in a vehicle there .
Minister Grange, in a release, said that she was “deeply saddened by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of reggae star Stephen Marley and grandson of reggae superstar Bob Marley has died”.
She shared that Jo Mersa was part of Jamaica’s grand 60th celebrations earlier this year.
“We were graced by Joseph, whose stage name was Jo Mersa, performing at our Jamaica 60 launch in Miramar, Florida, United States, in May this year. 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,” Grange said.
The minister noted that Marley’s “untimely passing at the young age of 31 years old 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”.
