| Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley, Bob Marley’s grandson, dies of reported asthma attack at age 31 |
 Reggae musicians, fans from around the world are paying tribute to Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley, grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, after his death in the United States at age 31. Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley was found unresponsive in a vehicle on Tuesday after reportedly suffering an asthma attack The 31-year-old singer was the son of Stephen Marley and grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley He had spoken of his desire to represent the “new generation” of Marleys and “do something new with my roots.” The singer’s death was first reported by Jamaican broadcast journalist Abka Fitz-Henley, who tweeted that Marley had been found unresponsive in a vehicle on Tuesday morning. Florida radio station WZPP later reported his death was the result of an asthma attack. Marley was the son of Stephen Marley, who was also a musician and began appearing onstage with his father at the age of four. He moved to the United States during high school and released his debut EP, Comfortable, in 2014 at 23. He was known for his eclectic stage presence and integration of traditional reggae with modern beats and musical styles. Marley embraced his family’s legacy over the course of his career, speaking out for social justice and advocating for better health and education in his home country. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared a video of Marley on his Twitter account, calling the news “truly sad” and sending strength to the Marley family. Opposition Leader Mark J Golding similarly paid tribute, calling the death “tragic”. “The loss of a child is a devastating blow no parent should face, my condolences to Stephen and the entire family,” he wrote. Marley is survived by his wife Qiara and daughter Sunshine. Illustration by @Bobito from photo @basiliosilva |
