Jo Mersa’s legacy lives on, big acts support tribute concert

Jamaica’s musical talent shone brightly as the Marley family organised the second Jo Mersa Marley Birthday Celebration on March 9 at Reggaeland in Nine Mile, St Ann. The show opened with a 30-minute Nyabinghi session and closed with a solemn presentation of a cake to mark Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley’s 33rd birthday on March 12.

In between, there were performances by Jah Izrehl, Ras-I, Christopher Ellis, and Jahmiel. Yohan Marley directed a one-hour set during the tribute show to his brother and introduced his sister Mystic and cousin YG to the stage.

YG Marley’s performance of Praising Jah in The Moonlight had a huge reaction from the crowd, especially when his mother, Lauren Hill, joined him on stage.

The song, which has garnered over 27 million views on YouTube, samples his grandfather’s song Crisis. Sunshine (Jo Mersa’s daughter), joined her uncle on stage to do the song titled after her.

Other Marleys on stage included King Cruff (Stephanie’s son); Zuri (Ziggy’s daughter); and Elijah (Damian’s son).

Yohan had his own jam session with Black Am I, a born and bred resident of Nine Mile, before Jemere Morgan did a short stint. Kabaka Pyramid, Jesse Royal, Jahshii, Irie Soulja, Iba Mahr, and Protoje were thrilling in their collective delivery.

Yohan made sure to intersperse music of his brother – Burn It Down and Rock and Swing –through the set.

BIG ACTS SHOW SUPPORT

Julian Marley started The Marley Brothers’ segment and stood out as the latest Grammy winner in the Reggae category, receiving a warm reception, especially for the performance of Boom Draw. Ky-Mani, during his set, included Protoje as they performed their 2011 collaboration, Rasta Love.

Stephen and Damian took the stage together, and the energy in the venue lifted. The patrons barely had a chance to catch their breaths as Buju Banton, Spragga Benz, Bugle, Lutan Fyah, and Professor Nuts, performed their hits.

Buju Banton was keen to showcase his support for Stephen and the family. He told the crowd that Jo Mersa was like his son as he was able to watch him grow.

Sizzla and Capelton joined Stephen and Damian for a blazing show-ending set all together.

Jo Mersa was on the verge of making significant strides in the industry before his sudden passing in December 2022 from acute asthma exacerbation.