Ky-Mani Marley’s hard-knock life of growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami turned him into what he is today: an authentic hip-hop and reggae musician with a message of love and unity.
His album “Maestro,” released June 30, highlights those two subjects. Marley, the second-youngest son of Bob Marley, brings a reggae sound for sure, but his sound also contains hip-hop, roots, blues and rock.
“Maestro” is Ky-Mani’s seventh recorded album since he began releasing music in 1997. Music wasn’t his first passion. He first found solace in soccer and American football, then, as a teenager, he discovered his musical abilities.
On his latest release, he collaborates with some big names, including his brother, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Matisyahu, a Jewish reggae musician, and Gentleman, a German reggae artist. The collaborations make for an album that includes a well-rounded sound with a positive, upbeat core.
Despite his famous surname, Ky-Mani didn’t live a life of luxury. He was born in Jamaica to table-tennis champion Anita Belnavis, and they moved to Miami when he was 9. He lived in the inner-city of Miami with his mother and six siblings.
It was there that he discovered that everyone is equal, and nobody is above or below him.
“The fact is, I’m from very humble beginnings, and faced a lot of trials and tribulations in my early years,” Marley said. “It’s always been important for me to stay true to myself and write music from what inspires me and what I’ve been through in my life,” he told the The Wall Street Journal recently.
Ky-Mani, whose East African name means “adventurous traveler,” received critical success in 2000 with his release of “The Journey,” which spawned the hit single “Warriors.”
Catch the soulful artist Tuesday at Animas City Theatre as he tours the U.S.
mhayden@durangoherald.com
If you go
Cervantes and Durango Massive Productions present Ky-Mani Marley with openers Major Myjah and DJ I-Gene on Tuesday at Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Drive. The show starts at 9 p.m., and admission is $27. Get tickets at www.animascitytheatre.com.
