Bob Marley’s Grandson Jo Mersa Marley Dead at 31: What to Know

Bob Marley’s grandson Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley has died at age 31.

The late musician’s passing was confirmed to Rolling Stone on Tuesday, December 27, via his rep. The cause of death has not been made public.

Shortly after the news made headlines, Jamaican politician Mark J. Golding reflected on Jo’s legacy.

“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,” he wrote via Twitter. “The loss of a child is a devastating blow no parent should face, my condolences to Stephen & the entire family.”

Meanwhile, reggae musician Shaggy posted a tribute to Jo on his social media. “So saddened by the news of the passing of this young king @jomersamarley sending prayers and condolences to the Marley family,” he captioned the Instagram post.

The Jamaica native was also honored by the country’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, who referred to his passing as “a huge loss” to music.

“My heartfelt sympathies to Joseph’s friends and associates and to the Reggae music fraternity and fans everywhere,” Holness wrote via Instagram. “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.”

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Ahead of his death, Mersa discussed growing up in a family full of musicians, telling Rolling Stone in 2014, “It was a very magical thing, seeing those people come around to the house and how the whole work process would happen.”

He added: “I would come home and try to do homework, but I’d end up getting distracted and go peek in the studio. You would always want to run in and run out to see what was going on.”

Mersa opened up about how his grandfather influenced his loved ones too. (Marley passed away in 1981 at age 36.)

“We always hear those reflections, speaking about those things, about the role that he played not only as family member and father, but also in the world and the impact he had on the Reggae community and the Reggae culture, the roots, bringing forward the message of Rastafari and love, over all love,” he told Reggaeville in 2021.

Scroll down for everything to know about Mersa following his death:

In 2010, Mersa released his first son titled “My Girl” with cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley. He went on to drop his first EP, Comfortable, four years later. Before his passing, Mersa released his album Eternal in 2021.

Over the years, the late musician featured his wife Qiara and their daughter on his social media.

During an interview with Reggaeville, Mersa addressed what he would like his child to learn in school.  

“Well, first and foremost it would have to definitely be history! Africa, for example, and the role that Africa has played in the world, where everything has started from,” he explained in 2021. “So, history is one of the main things I would like to see the education system really get down on to make that impact there, first and foremost. As uncle Ziggy said in one of him tune long time, ‘If you don’t know your past you won’t know your future.'”

“#Blessings @maffio ft uncle @maestromarley [Ky-Mani Marley] and uncle @julianrmarley [Julian Marley] and me @jomersamarley,” Mersa wrote via Instagram two months before his death, referring to a collaboration with his loved ones.

The late performer shared his music on his Instagram account — and offered special glimpses at his personal life.

Ahead of his death, Mersa opened up about finding his own way in the music industry after his grandfather’s success.

“I am one of the new generation of Marleys, but I am still experimenting at the same time,” he told Rolling Stone in 2014. “My plan is to do something new with my roots.”