Joseph ‘Jo’ Mersa Marley, grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, has died at age 27 due to asthma-related complications.
Joseph, known in the music world as Jo Mersa, had studied audio engineering at Miami Dade College and released two EPs – “Comfortable” (2014) and “Eternal” (2018). His 2016 single “Burn It Down” became a hit. Joseph was the son of Stephen Marley.
TIDAL, the music streaming service, has reported the death of reggae artist Jo Mersa Marley. He was found unresponsive in a vehicle in an undisclosed location within the United States.
The company paid their respects to Marley, a musician who followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, with a tribute reading: “Forever in our hearts. RIP Jo Mersa Marley.”
South Florida Caribbean radio station WZPP has confirmed the death of Joseph Marley. The official cause of death has yet to be released, although it is believed that he suffered an asthma attack. Joseph Marley, who was the grandson of reggae artist Bob Marley, expressed his gratitude for his family heritage in 2014.
He said, “I give thanks for being a Marley. I’m very appreciative and thankful that I am born where I am born and put where God has decided. I’m very thankful about it and proud.”
Bob Marley passed away in 1981 at the age of 36 due to melanoma. He was survived by 11 children, including Joseph’s father Stephen and his uncle Ziggy Marley.