Boomshots

Tag: Bob Marley

  • Joseph Mersa Marley In Memoriam

    Joseph Mersa Marley In Memoriam

    Memories of a Young Lion

    “I don’t really walk around bragging about what I can and can’t do,” Jo Mersa said the first time Boomshots interviewed him, during the summer of 2013. Just the night before he had shared the stage with his father Stephen “Ragga” Marley and his uncle Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, spitting his rapid-fire lyrics to a capacity crowd at London’s Indigo O2. “I don’t talk about it,” he said. “When you hear, you hear it — and you get weh you get.” Video and Full Story After The Jump… 

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  • WATCH THIS: Skip Marley “Let’s Take It Higher” A Boomshots Documentary

    WATCH THIS: Skip Marley “Let’s Take It Higher” A Boomshots Documentary

    Awards Are Nice, But This Two-Time Grammy Nominee Answers To A Higher Calling

    “Live if you wanna live,” Bob Marley declared at the outset of his landmark album Rastaman Vibration, released almost 45 years ago, in April 1976. In the years before Legend, Bob Marley & the Wailers’ 1984 greatest hits collection, which remains the best-selling reggae album of all time, Rastaman Vibration was the record that broke Marley to American audiences, becoming the first Marley LP to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

    On the second track, “Roots Rock Reggae,” Marley took new listeners by the hand and introduced them to a new sound from the faraway island of Jamaica. “Play I some music,” Bob sang, and the I Threes—Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt—replied in unison, “This is reggae music.”

    At the start of the second verse, the Tuff Gong pleaded with industry gatekeepers and radio programmers. “Play I on the R&B,” he sang. “I want all my people to see. We’re bubbling on the Top 100 just like a mighty dread.” Bob’s prophecy was fulfilled when the song reached No. 51 on Billboard’s Top 100, but R&B radio would prove harder to penetrate. The top R&B song of 1976 was “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder, who had performed with Marley at Jamaica’s National Stadium the year before. But even white groups like The Steve Miller Band, The Bee Gees, and Hall & Oates were getting more love on American R&B radio than Bob Marley at the time. By 1980 Bob was booked as an opening act for The Commodores at Madison Square Garden, and famously upstaged the headliners but Marley’s earthly mission was soon cut short, to be continued.

    In May 2020, Bob’s grandson Skip Marley reached the top of Billboard’s Top Adult R&B Songs airplay chart with a gorgeous duet called “Slow Down” featuring R&B superstar H.E.R. The artists’ creative chemistry and song’s video made the track a fan favorite. “Slow Down” is nominated for Best R&B Song at the 2021 Grammy Awards this weekend. Skip’s debut project Higher Place is also nominated for the Best Reggae Album Grammy, a milestone in the 24-year-old singer/songwriter/musician/producer’s career.

    In “Let’s Take It Higher,” a new Boomshots documentary premiering today on VIBE.com, Skip reflects on the honor of being nominated for the prestigious awards and of carrying on a mighty legacy in his own unique style. Video After The Jump…
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  • Ziggy Marley Votes For The First Time Ever

    Ziggy Marley Votes For The First Time Ever

    Music To Inspire A Movement

    No more long talking from politicians. Today, the people have their say at the ballot box. Judging by the number of voters who showed up early this year, the 2020 election is going to smash all records for voter participation. With a deadly pandemic, wildfires, floods, economic pressure, and a struggle for survival playing out from the tweets to the streets, the stakes have never been higher. All of which goes to show why Ziggy Marley decided to vote this year for the first time ever. Video After The Jump…

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  • The ‘Marley’ Movie Premiere

    The ‘Marley’ Movie Premiere

    Reshma B Reporting From Emancipation Park in Kingston—April 19, 2012

    This Friday, Kevin MacDonald’s acclaimed 2012 documentary film Marley will be re-released via virtual cinemas and drive-ins across the country as part of the year-long celebration of Bob Marley’s 75th anniversary. According to film’s distributor Blue Fox Entertainment, information about digital screenings of Marley can be found on MarleyMovie.com starting July 31. (Appropriately enough, Jamaica celebrates Emancipation Day on August 1.) The emotional and inspiring story follows Robert Nesta Marley from his upbringing in the rural Jamaican village of Nine Mile through his journey to Kingston’s tough Trenchtown neighborhood, where his musical career began. Featuring rare concert footage and exclusive interviews with Marley’s family and close friends, MacDonald’s goal was to get behind the legend and show us Marley the man. On April 19, 2012 the film had its Jamaican premiere at Kingston’s Emancipation Park, and I was one of the privileged few who attended the special screening. There were many VIP guests, including his wife Rita Marley and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who signed Marley to an international record deal, and of course Kevin MacDonald himself.  Video & Story After The Jump… 

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  • Junior Gong Pon Di Strong

    Junior Gong Pon Di Strong

    Reasoning With Zilla 25 Years Ago

    Damian Marley was never intimidated by great expectations. Born  on this day in 1978, the youngest son of Robert Nest Marley did not hesitate to follow in some very large footsteps, entering the music industry at an early age. He started out singing in a group called The Shepherds, along with the children of reggae stars Freddie McGregor, Judy Mowatt, and “Cat” Coore of Third World. Former Shepherd Shiah Coore still plays bass in Damian’s band to this day.

    During the mid 1990s Damian stepped out as a solo performer under the name Jr. Gong. On January 23 1995 he passed through New York City to promote the album Positively Reggae, a compilation of conscious tracks by dancehall artists like Shabba Ranks, Mad Cobra, Bounty Killer, and Patra with proceeds going to benefit Leaf of Life, a Jamaican organization for HIV-positive children.

    This photo, shot by Brian Jahn during the same press run, gives you an idea of what his hair looked like back then. Today his dreadlocks are so long he has to tuck them into a backpack when he plays soccer. I had a chance to reason with Damian that day for my Boomshots column in VIBE. He seemed like a cool youth at the time, but I had no idea this convo would be the start of such a long-lasting friendship. After all he’s accomplished since then, D remains remarkably chill. The interview has never been published in its entirely. 25 years later seems like as good a time as any. Big Up Jr. Gong. Blessings pon di strong. Interview After The Jump…
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  • WATCH THIS: Bob Marley “No Woman No Cry” 2020 Visuals

    WATCH THIS: Bob Marley “No Woman No Cry” 2020 Visuals

    A Fresh Look at a Classic Tune

    Amidst outbreaks of viral pandemic and police brutality, the best thing anyone can say about 2020 is that it’s the year of Bob Marley’s 75th Birthday Celebration. And while the year has been terrible and dreadful, Bob Marley’s music has offered much-needed inspiration. The Tuff Gong’s 1984 greatest hits collection Legend has topped the charts every week since mid January when it knocked Stick Figure out of the top spot. What more relevant soundtrack for these trying times than Bob Marley. Today is July 1, International Reggae Day, and what better way to celebrate than by rediscovering one of Marley’s classic songs, “No Woman No Cry”? Today Boomshots and VIBE proudly present a brand new official music video, directed by Kristian Mercado Figueroa and shot in Jamaica and New York City. The poignant, verite visual tells the tale of a family divided by geography yet connected by love and a shared commitment to providing a better life for their youths. In Jamaica, a strong and loving Mother strives to look after her children while their Father works tirelessly as a cab driver in New York City, grooving to Bob Marley while he prepares a barrel to send home. Video After The Jump…
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  • Buju Banton and Stephen Marley Speak on “Duppy Conqueror (Yes Mi Friend)”

    Buju Banton and Stephen Marley Speak on “Duppy Conqueror (Yes Mi Friend)”

    A Celebration of Real Friendship, 50 Years After The Wailers Original

    “Yes me friend, we deh pon street again.” 50 years after The Wailers’ original “Duppy Conqueror,” Stephen Marley and Buju Banton lift up their voices and join together in one harmony to create a crucial selection off Buju’s highly anticipated new album ‘Upside Down.’ After watching them perform the song together for the first time on the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, Reshma B reasoned with Ragga about the story behind the song. A few monthe later she caught up with Buju at Gargamel Studios in Kingston to hear his perspective on this powerful new song with a timeless vibration. Let the reasoning begin. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • New Kingston and Friends Bob Marley Tribute

    New Kingston and Friends Bob Marley Tribute

    New Kingston and Friends Pay Tribute to Bob Marley at SOB’s

    On February 6, New York City music fans received a special treat. Before embarking on a “Rock 2 Roots Tour,” New Kingston headlined a Bob Marley Tribute Concert at SOBs. The band that independently released their debut album “In The Streets,” in 2011, now headlines at this legendary venue recurrently, and was filled with excitement for this special tribute. New Kingston released their sophomore album “Kingston University” with Ineffable Records in 2013. Their consecutive albums, “Kingston City” and “A Kingston Story: Come From Far,” were released by the record label, the group is currently signed to, Easy Star Records. Michael Goldwasser, Director of A&R at Easy Star Records and staff were in the building to show their full support, for one of New York’s most beloved family band. More After The Jump…

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  • Kush Wednesdays 7th Anniversary and Bob Marley Tribute

    Kush Wednesdays 7th Anniversary and Bob Marley Tribute

    An Organic Cultural Event Deep in the Heart of Brooklyn

    Reggae fans flocked to the Caribbean American Entertainment Center in Brooklyn, New York to honor the “King of Reggae, ” Bob Marley. Simultaneously, Abajonai Kushites, Reggae Artist and Founder of “Kush Wednesdays,” celebrated 7 years of the weekly open mic for reggae, roots, and culture. More After The Jump…

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  • Third World, Bushman, DJ Gringo and Alpha Lion To Pay Tribute to Bob Marley Tonight At Highline Ballroom

    Third World, Bushman, DJ Gringo and Alpha Lion To Pay Tribute to Bob Marley Tonight At Highline Ballroom

    Special Memorial For Bob Marley Set For New York City Stage Tonight

    Most of the Bob Marley Tributes in New York City, take place in February, with dates on or adjacent to his actual birthday, February 6. However, on the date of Bob Marley’s death, May 11, Third World Band will reminisce on someone who they knew both musically and personally.  More After The Jump…

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  • Chart Topper Etana Celebrates “Reggae Forever” Album Launch In New York City

    Chart Topper Etana Celebrates “Reggae Forever” Album Launch In New York City

    Etana Connects Soul to Soul with Her Fans from Near and Far with Her Latest Album, “Reggae Forever”

    This visit to New York was a special one for Etana, Shauna McKenzie Morris. She delivered a stellar performance at Music for Life on Saturday, May 5, 2018, giving fans a mini concert, which included a special tribute to Bob Marley and Richie Spice (Etana was a Background Singer for Spice, prior to her solo career). More After The Jump…

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  • Etana, Ed Robinson, Nadine Sutherland, Keisha Martin, Richie Lou and Nello Vibes Headline The Lawman Lynch Foundation Music For Life Benefit Concert

    Etana, Ed Robinson, Nadine Sutherland, Keisha Martin, Richie Lou and Nello Vibes Headline The Lawman Lynch Foundation Music For Life Benefit Concert

    Reggae Artists Come Together to Raise Money for Underserved Children

    On Saturday, May 5th, 2018, the Benjamin Banneker Auditorium, brought together a diverse crowd for a great cause.  Music for Life is a philanthropic event launched by The Lawman Lynch Foundation in 2008, in Jamaica. The original mission of this organization was to raise funds to benefit marginalized children pursue education. This mission expanded over the years to include,  scholarship provisions, nutritional and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs for students of the Caribbean.  More After The Jump…

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