Ky-Mani consistently released albums, creating his own blend of music. While he commemorates his father by incorporating aspects of old school reggae, he is also aware that music is constantly changing and progressing. He stays current by evolving his music and sound, ultimately creating what is personal to him and conveying his own life through this form of art.

The Roots

The only son of Reggae royalty Bob Marley, and table tennis champion Anita Belnavis, Ky-Mani Marley has been part of the reggae scene since the 1990s. He doesn’t have much recollection of his father, because he was very young when he passed away, but remembers being fond of the bit he does remember.

Ky-Mani moved to Miami, Florida with his mother as a child in the hopes of a better life. On the contrary, he was exposed to gangs, neighbors being shot, and even influenced into selling drugs. As he grew up, he realized his escape was through music. He released his first album in 1996, “Like Father Like Son,” in which he sings Bob Marley cover songs. This jump-started his career in reggae as a son of the Great.

Ky-Mani consistently released albums, creating his own blend of music. While he commemorates his father by incorporating aspects of old school reggae, he is also aware that music is constantly changing and progressing. He stays current by evolving his music and sound, ultimately creating what is personal to him and conveying his own life through this form of art.

Ky-Mani has dabbled in acting and writing as well, but all the while finds himself coming back to his roots – music. He starred in the movie “Shottas,” about the selling and using of drugs in Jamaica and USA, specifically Miami where Ky-Mani partly grew up. He wrote the book “Dear Dad: Where’s the Family in Our Family Today?” And he was very candid about the complicated nature of his Royal family.

Following in his father’s footsteps to help make a positive difference in the world, Ky-Mani is now fronting a non-profit organization, LOAF (Love Over All Foundation), which is set to improve schools and living conditions for children in Falmouth, Jamaica, where he was born.

Ky-Mani’s 2015 release “Maestro,” exudes the sounds of a seasoned professional. In this album, you can hear the sounds he’s fusing to make his own; creating waves from collaborations with Gentleman, Kreesha Turner, Matisyahu, and even his brother Damian Marley.

Most recently, Ky-Mani released a collaboration album with Gentleman titled “Conversations.” Together, they created a work of art cognizant of their individual ideals and values in music, while still successfully creating a harmony of artistry.

The Musical Influence

True to the meaning of his name, “adventurous traveler,” Ky-Mani does just that with his music. He takes Bob’s music and creates his own new sound. With genres such as Blues, Hip Hop, Rock, and of course, Reggae; Ky-Mani creates music influenced by all.

The Sound

Ky-Mani uses his music to deliver life messages. He mentions that he takes from all influences and creates something based on his own life, so his sound is very raw, unadulterated, and real. In “Signs of the Times,” off of his collaboration album with Gentleman, “Conversations,” they sing of the changes we are seeing in the world.

He sings:

“A wonderful world
And pure mad people
Beautiful world and pure sad people
Mistrust and accusation of treason
But people still change like the seasons”

The Road

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