Stephen Marley

Eight-time Grammy winner, architect of Damian Marley's sound, and solo artist behind Revelation Pt. 1 & 2.

Stephen Robert Nesta Marley (born April 20, 1972) is a Jamaican-American musician and the third son of Bob and Rita Marley. An eight-time Grammy Award winner, he secured three awards as a solo artist, two for producing his half-brother Damian's albums Halfway Tree and Welcome to Jamrock, and three with Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers. He began his professional journey at age seven, singing alongside siblings Ziggy, Sharon, and Cedella in the child band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. As a producer, he modernized his father's legacy with Chant Down Babylon (1999) and launched the careers of Julian and Damian Marley in 1996. His solo catalog features Mind Control (2007), Mind Control Acoustic (2008), Revelation Part I: The Root of Life (2011), and Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life (2016). In June 2023, he released the single "Old Soul," followed by his fourth studio album in September.

Quick Facts

Birth name

Stephen Robert Nesta Marley

Alias

Raggamuffin

Born

20 April 1972

Birthplace

Wilmington, Delaware, US

Years active

1979–present

Genre

Reggae, soul

Occupation

Musician
singer
record producer

Instrument

Vocals, guitar

Lore & Background

Stephen's musical identity was forged early on stage with the Wailers at the 1978 One Love Peace Concert and Zimbabwe's independence celebrations in 1980. At just 17, he earned the nickname "Raggamuffin" for pioneering dancehall toasting within his family group, notably on the 1988 hit "Look Who's Dancing." While often serving as a background instrumentalist and co-producer for Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers during the 1990s, he stepped into the lead vocal spot on tracks like "Keep On" and "Tipsy Dazy," which appeared in the 1997 film Anaconda. His production work extended beyond the family, crafting a Bob Marley remix featuring Lauryn Hill on "Turn Your Lights Down Low" (1999) and collaborating with hip-hop artists like Krayzie Bone, Erykah Badu, and Nas. In 2021, he honored Nina Simone with the EP Celebrating Nina: A Reggae Tribute to Nina Simone, featuring Queen Ifrica and Etana.

Reader's Guide

Stephen Marley's career is defined by his versatility as a self-produced artist who composes, produces, and plays multiple instruments on his solo albums. Fans can trace his evolution from the child band era to becoming an eight-time Grammy winner. Key milestones include the 1985 release of Play the Game Right with the Melody Makers and the 2011 Grammy win for Best Reggae Album with Revelation Pt. 1: The Root of Life. His production credits are extensive, ranging from remixing Bob Marley's catalog to working with dancehall artists like Capleton on "Sunshine Girl" (2004). For those exploring his solo work, the progression from Mind Control Acoustic (2008) to the Revelation series offers a clear arc of artistic growth. He currently resides in Miami Beach, Florida, where he operates a private recording studio.

Did You Know?

He performed lead vocals on "Sugar Pie" at age eight and shared lead duties with Ziggy on "Look Who's Dancing" at age 17.
He produced three songs for Damian Marley and Nas's collaboration album Distant Relatives (2010), including "Leaders" and "In His Own Words."
His eldest son, Jo Mersa Marley, passed away on December 27, 2022, after suffering an asthma attack.