Ziggy Marley Saturday, June 20, 2026 - 08:00 pm

David Nesta “Ziggy” Marley (born October 17, 1968, Kingston, Jamaica) is a nine‑time Grammy Award–winning reggae singer, songwriter, producer, author, and humanitarian. He is the eldest son of Bob Marley and Rita Marley, and one of the most influential voices carrying forward the Marley legacy into the modern era.  

Ziggy was raised in the heart of Kingston, surrounded by the spiritual, cultural, and musical energy that defined the Marley household. His father taught him guitar and songwriting, and by age 10, Ziggy was already sitting in on Bob Marley & The Wailers studio sessions, absorbing the craft firsthand.

In 1979, Ziggy and his siblings—Sharon, Cedella, and Stephen—recorded their first song, “Children Playing in the Streets,” written by Bob Marley specifically for them. This moment marked the beginning of a lifelong musical journey. After Bob Marley’s passing in 1981, Ziggy naturally stepped into a leadership role within the family’s musical path. He and his siblings formed Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers, a group that would become one of the most successful reggae bands of the late 20th century. 

Their breakthrough album, Conscious Party (1988), produced by members of Talking Heads, won a Grammy and introduced Ziggy’s voice to a worldwide audience. Follow‑up albums One Bright Day (1989) and Fallen Is Babylon (1997) also earned Grammy Awards.

The Melody Makers became known for their uplifting harmonies, socially conscious lyrics, and genre‑blending creativity.