Ky-Mani Marley

Early life and family

Ky-Mani was born on 26 February 1976 out of wedlock outside of Bob’s marriage to singer Rita Marley in Falmouth, Jamaica, to Anita Belnavis and Bob Marley. When he was five years old, his father died of cancer. At the age of nine, Marley and his mother relocated to Miami, Florida. His taste in music was informed by the music he heard on American radio stations, especially hip-hop, rock, and pop. In his early youth, Marley was focused on sports. As an athlete, he competed in soccer and American football. With his mother's direction, he received piano and guitar lessons and played trumpet in his high school band.

Career

While a teenager, Marley started rapping and deejaying. His first single was "Unnecessary Badness". He became inspired as a singer after being asked to sing a hook to a song during a recording session at a studio in Miami. Marley soon began experimenting with laying tracks, at times with his brothers Stephen, Julian, and Damian.

Marley signed to Shang Records where he recorded his debut album in 1996, Like Father Like Son, and several singles: "Judge Not" with Patra, followed by "Dear Dad" (which topped the British reggae charts), "Who the Cap Fit (remix)", and "Sensimelia", all of which added to his growing reputation in the new generation of reggae musicians. In 1997, Marley joined forces with Refugee Camp All-Stars and Pras of the Fugees, on "Avenues", a hit cover of Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue". Marley appeared at international music showcase Midem when it was held in Miami for the first time. At the Cameo Theatre, Marley performed a set which was aired live by the Caribbean News Agency to 36 countries.

Marley became the subject of a bidding war. He signed with Gee Street/V2 Records in 1997 where he completed a collaboration with label mate P.M. Dawn on the single "Gotta Be Movin' On Up".

Marley's next recording was the 2000 release, The Journey. In 2001, he released his third studio album Many More Roads, which was nominated for a Grammy Award*,* and went on tour. In 2004 he released his fourth studio album, Milestone. In 2007, he released Radio. Also in 2007, Marley joined Van Halen on tour as their opening act. In 2015, he released another album, Maestro.

In 2019, Marley collaborated with XXXTentacion, Stefflon Don, and Vybz Kartel on the single "Royalty". He also appeared in the music video, which was filmed after the death of XXXTentacion.

Marley's acting work included lead roles in the Jamaican films Shottas and One Love.

Discography

• Like Father Like Son (1996)
• The Journey (2000)
• Many More Roads (2001)
• Milestone (2004)
• Radio (2007)
• "New Heights" (single) (2012)
• Maestro (2015)
• Conversations (2016) with Gentleman

Guest appearances

Filmography

• Shottas (2002)
• One Love (2003)
• Haven (2004)
• Eenie Meenie Miney Moe (2013)
• King of the Dancehall (2016)

References

References

1. (20 February 2008). "Ky-mani Marley Radio". [[Exclaim!.
2. Ankeny, Jason. "Ky-Mani Marley Biography". [[AllMusic]].com.
3. (2022-06-08). "Ky-Mani Marley headlines return of Reggae in the Desert".
4. (2022-06-08). "Ky-Mani Marley headlines return of Reggae in the Desert".
5. "Cancelled Ky-Mani Marley – The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall".
6. Orshoski, Wes. (2007-09-14). "Marley Undaunted By Van Halen Opening Slot".
7. DelGallo, Alicia. (November 13, 2018). "Ky-Mani Marley to perform at Orlando City Stadium for Florida Cup 2019". ProSoccerUSA.com.
8. (2020-11-23). "Ky-Mani Marley".
9. "Report: Ky-Mani Marley Honored To Be Special Guest On 2007 VAN HALEN Tour".
10. Saponara, Michael. (2019-10-02). "XXXTentacion Explores Jamaica in 'Royalty' Video Featuring Stefflon Don, Ky-Mani Marley & Vybz Kartel".