Marley 71st birthday ambassadors named

Reggae artistes Jesse Royal, Iba Mahr, and Kelissa have been named as ambassadors for the 71st birthday celebrations of the late reggae legend Bob Marley.

The announcement was made yesterday at the official launch of the celebration activities at the Bob Marley Museum on Old Hope Road. The three will be integrally involved in the activities to mark the reggae icon's 71st birthday, which will get under way at the Bob Marley Museum on

February 6.

The trio are expected to perform at the Reggae Jam session on the museums grounds, which will also see performances by other well-known reggae artistes, including Marley's grandson, Skip Marley.

ICONIC CELEBRATION

Speaking at the launch, the trio said they were happy to participate in activities celebrating someone as iconic as Marley and expressed gratitude at being chosen.

In his speech at the launch, Iba Mahr said Marley was a big inspiration for him. "My music, my work was inspired by him," he said. "You cannot talk about reggae music without talking about Bob Marley, and it's just a joy for me to be a part of something like this."

Jesse Royal echoed the sentiments of his fellow ambassador, stating that Marley's message would live on. "They youths are the seed of the words sowed by Marley, and I'm grateful to even be mentioned in the same genre of music as him. His legacy will live on through the message, and we should always remember this and keep it going," he said.

Kelissa, too, expressed her gratitude at being chosen to participate in the celebrations. "I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of these events," she said. "It is important for us as musicians to carry on the music and message planted by the generation before us, so as we celebrate, let us take the time to meditate on the messages and the legacy left by Marley because that is extremely important."

The ambassadors are expected to perform at the Reggae Jam session to be held at the Bob Marley Museum on February 6, and they are also expected to make an appearance at the annual Bob Marley Tribute concert to be held at Sabina Park on February 7. Last year's ambassadors were Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid, and No-Maddz.