Ziggy Marley

David Nesta Marley, or simply Ziggy Marley, is a famous musician and philanthropist from Jamaica. He was born on October 17, 1968. Jamaica's largest city - Kingston.

 As you might have guessed from the last name, he is the son of reggae music legend and one of the world's most influential musicians Bob Marley. Of course, choosing the profession of a musician was both an honor and a significant risk. On the one hand, he continues his father’s work, and on the other, Ziggy himself realized that the comparison with him he could not avoid. But it's better to talk about everything in order. 

As you might guess, music came into Ziggy's life quite early. Although this is due to the fact that his father at that time was already quite popular and touring the world, a significant role in this was played by Jamaica itself. People in Jamaica have always held music in high esteem as a way to not only entertain themselves but also to convey important messages. The most significant influence on reggae as we know it today was mento and calypso. Only in the 1950s and 1960s did they mix with more modern jazz, R&B, and ska. Ziggy fell in love with music very early on and realized that ideally, he wanted to connect his life with it.  

From school years, he and his friends tried to create their own band that they wanted to perform with. Although it was more of a school dream, this approach clearly showed young David's determination to pursue a musical career. Their first group was called "The Seven Do Bees.” Of course, this band did not gain popularity, but it gave him the much-needed experience at the time. He gained even more experience when he started touring with some family members and his father. These concerts gathered just an incredible number of people, which made him feel the energy to which he went so diligently.  

It was around that time that he took the nickname Ziggy. The idea to take such a pseudonym came to him after the release of David Bowie's famous album "Ziggy Stardust.” As Ziggy Marley himself admitted, he is a big fan of David Bowie. After such a tour, he and his siblings Stephen, Cedella, and Sharon decided to form their own band called "Melody Makers." Their first album was "Play the Game Right," which was released in 1985. It consisted of 10 songs, including "Children Playing in the Streets." This song was written for his children by Bob Marley himself before the band was formed. Unfortunately, the release of their first full-length album came after the death of their father, who died in 1981. Although the album was created essentially by children, it was a wild success, and the album was even nominated for a Grammy Award.  

Although Ziggy performed with various artists before the release of the first album, their number has grown significantly since its release. Melody Makers' third album called "Conscious Party" was released three years after the first. In 1988 it won a Grammy and became a real discovery for the whole world. It was not the only album the band received a Grammy in the Best Reggae Album category. This list also includes "One Bright Day" and "Fallen Is Babylon.” Melody Makers has been around for more than 15 years and disbanded in 2002. After the breakup of the band, Ziggy Marley decided to start a solo career.  

A year after starting his solo career, Ziggy released his first album called "Dragonfly." Despite the relatively low reviews of critics, the album still managed to get to the Billboard 200 and take third place in the Billboard Top Reggae Albums in the US. Everything changed dramatically with the release of Ziggy's second solo album called "Love is my Religion." This album was highly praised by both listeners and critics, which brought him another Grammy for best reggae album, which became the first in his solo career. The third album and again a wild success. This time Ziggy decided to make a children's album, in which he recorded songs with many musicians such as Toots Hibbert, Willie Nelson, Laurie Berkner, and others. The album was extremely warmly received by critics and even better received by listeners. This album received a Grammy in the nomination Best Musical Album for Children.  

The Ziggy's next album, "Wild and Free,” was not as successful as the previous two, but the fifth album, "Fly Rasta." He once again managed to bring Ziggy Grammy for Best Reggae Album. On the US Reggae Albums, he took the first position and got into the Billboard 200. The album contained ten songs and was released in 2014. Since then, Ziggy has released two more albums, namely self-titled "Ziggy Marley" and "Rebellion Rises.” It was the "Rebellion Rises" that deserved the special attention of critics. The songs from this album are filled with themes that are more relevant than ever in modern society. Like his father's songs, Ziggy's songs call for peace, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive attitude towards other people.  

Of course, Ziggy is not just about music. His voice can be heard in a variety of cartoons, including the famous "Shark Tail.” In this cartoon, he voiced one of the rasta jellyfish. In addition to Ziggy, Will Smith, Robert de Niro, Angelina Jolie, Martin Scorsese, and other celebrities also starred in the cartoon.  

Ziggy is currently married to Orly Agai and has a total of 7 children. One of his children, Bambaata Marley, followed his father's and grandfather's steps and is currently a musician and songwriter.  

To top it all off, Marley is a philanthropist and often does charity work. He founded Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment, or URGE for short. The main task of this organization is to help children in different countries. Jamaica and Ethiopia are among the priority countries assisted by this organization. In addition to his organization, he is also a member of other non-profit organizations, such as Little Kids Rock. This organization was created to provide children with free music lessons and instruments. Ziggy is an active member of this organization, and he often visits children for these lessons.  

In general, having reviewed Ziggy's creative career and what he does besides his music, it is safe to say that this is exactly what a real Reggae musician should be like. This music has always encouraged people to live with respect for others, protect themselves and the people around them, and help those who need it. That's what Ziggy Marley is like. A good person who tries to help others and values ​​other people like himself. Becoming a musician with such a father was a risk because the comparison with him was inevitable, but I do not want to compare them. On the contrary, the love for music and values ​​transmitted in this family becomes an example for others, and it is nice to see that Ziggy has achieved the success he so deserves.