One of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley’s grandsons, Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley, died this week at the age of 31.
Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed reports of Marley’s grandson’s death with a heartfelt message on Twitter, calling the news “truly sad” and more.
“My heartfelt sympathies to Joseph’s friends and associates and to the Reggae music fraternity and fans everywhere,” Holness tweet read. “His untimely passing at the young age of 31 [years old] is a huge loss to the music as we look to the next generation.”
“May he find Eternal Peace as we mourn his loss during this season of goodwill when we celebrate with family and friends our love for each other,” he added.
This is truly sad news; sending strength to the Marley family at this time.
Repost/video credit @Babsy_grange :
I am deeply saddened by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of Reggae star, Stephen Marley and grand son of Reggae super star, Bob Marley has died. pic.twitter.com/OsXQKYOKEi
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) December 28, 2022
Joseph Marley was the son of Jamaican musician Stephen Marley and grandson of the legendary reggae artist.
There has been no official cause of death released at the time of this publication. However, WZPP Radio in Miami reported that Joseph was found dead in his car from an alleged asthma attack.
Joseph was born in Jamaica but later moved to the United States where he went to school at Miami Dade College and studied studio engineering, Fox News noted.
Marley’s stage name was “Jo Mersa” and he performed as recently as November 13 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, per his Instagram account.
During his career he released two EP’s, the first in 2014 called “Comfortable” and a second in 2021 titled “Eternal.”
Following news of Marley’s death, fans shared tributes to the singer that had followed in his family’s footsteps.
“Condolences to Stephen Marley and the entire Marley family for this tragic loss,” one shared. “Reports say that [JoMersaMarley] (31) apparently passed due to complications concerning his asthma. He leaves behind a wife and daughter. Our hearts and prayers go out to you!”
🕯️🙏🏾💔 Condolences to Stephen Marley @stephenmarley and the entire Marley family for this tragic loss. Reports say that @JoMersaMarley (31) apparently passed due to complications concerning his asthma. He leaves behind a wife and daughter. Our hearts 💕 and prayers go out to you! pic.twitter.com/3z54ZJZvhg
— Roots Reggae Hub (@RootsReggaeHub) December 28, 2022
Jamaican politician Olivia “Babsy” Grange wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of Reggae star, Stephen Marley and grand son of Reggae super star, Bob Marley has died.”
“We were graced by Joseph, whose stage name was Jo Mersa, performing at our Jamaica 60 Launch in Miramar, Florida, USA in May,” she added.
I am deeply saddened by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of Reggae star, Stephen Marley and grand son of Reggae super star, Bob Marley has died.
We were graced by Joseph,whose stage name was Jo Mersa, performing at our Jamaica 60 Launch in Miramar, Florida, USA in May. pic.twitter.com/6DyHkYcNsI
— Hon.Olivia Grange (@Babsy_grange) December 27, 2022
He leaves behind a wife and daughter.