By Shereita Grizzle—
Rolling Stone’s Magazine considers him and cousin Jo Mersa Marley as “the next generation of musical Marleys”, the youngsters who will carry on the rich musical legacy the family has created. This is an expectation that Daniel ‘Bambaata’ Marley is more than ready to fulfil.
The Gleaner managed to secure an exclusive interview with the young musician, who opened up about everything – from growing up in a musical family, to what he would be doing had he not answered his musical calling.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Ziggy Marley, Bambaata is already making waves in the music industry, having served as the opening act for veteran singer Lauryn Hill at numerous shows across the United States last May. Marley described that experience as a very special opportunity. “I was able to share my noise with a very diverse audience. I felt like they were able to embrace my energy, and I look forward to working with her again in the future,” he said. The entertainer said a career in music came as natural as breathing. “I knew from a very young age that this is what I wanted to do. Music has always surrounded me, so it was only natural that I pursued it as a career.”
Though music has a special place in his heart, so too does football, so much so that the young Marley revealed that had it not been music, he would be a professional football player. “It’s hard to think of doing something other than music, but football is special to me. I commit a lot of time to playing football as well.” With his sights set on making a name for himself in the industry, the artist told The Gleaner that he has been in studio working on a new EP which he says will comprise about six or seven tracks. A new single titled Maintain, set for release this summer, featuring GiArk of Digital-B Music, is also something fans can look forward to.
Guiding principles
As the grandson of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley, Bambaata explained that his inspiration doesn’t just come from his family. “I am inspired by not one specific thing or person. There are certain guiding principles that I explore, from Bruce Lee to Einstein. Art is a great inspiration, as well, and the universe is my biggest inspiration because there is so much unknown,” he said. Describing music as timeless, Marley embraces the idea of being a part of the next generation of Marleys, but hopes that his own musical style will enable him to become much more.
shereita.grizzle@gleanerjm.com
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