Multi-Grammy-winning Jamaican Reggae artist, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley has described the crowd response as “absolutely awesome” during his performance at the 24th Edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).
Damian, who is the youngest son of Reggae Legend Bob Marley, performed alongside his brother Stephen ‘Ragga’ Marley. Both delivered an exceptional performance to thousands gathered at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium on Saturday night.
They presented a mixture of their songs and those of their late father, Bob Marley. For over three decades, the sons of the reggae legend have each established themselves as renowned solo artists and collectively boast an impressive count of 22 Grammy Awards with another brother, Julian, securing 2024’s win for Best Reggae Album.
“The crowd response was absolutely awesome,” Damian said during an interview with the media shortly after their performance. “I loved the vibes, the different energy…we give thanks.”
He continued, “Dominica has a huge fan base, I have been here before and if we are invited again we will come.”
Damian’s young son Elijah Marley who also performed alongside his father and uncle did a phenomenal job on the main stage.
“It is a great tradition. Just as we are following our father’s footsteps we see the young boys being inspired by us,” Damian stated.
When asked about today’s youth and their connection with reggae music, he said there are multiple avenues and ways of expression.
“When we were growing up there was nobody who was exclusive to the dancehall or exclusive to one style of Caribbean music,” he explained. “All of those artists indulge in all styles of music.”
He added, “I think what is going on now which I actually do see is that the younger youths now are starting to realize there are different avenues.”
Meanwhile, Stephen said that participating in the WCMF represents the Jamaican culture as well.
“It’s one Caribbean family and we feel the love and we appreciate the love,” he noted. “We want to come back very soon and do our own concert.”
He believes it is very important to nurture the next generation in their respective interests. “Some feel music, some feel sports,” Stephen indicated.
He explained that the Marley Brothers recently organized a couple of tours: the ‘Traffic Jam Tour’ and ‘The Marley Brothers Legacy Tour’.
“We had two tours, the Traffic Jam Tour…and it ended in Dominica,” he revealed. “That is me and him…we presented all the music we have done together on stage, even some of our father’s own we did over together as well.”
Furthermore, Stephen explained, “That’s what you heard tonight and you feel the vibe, so that is ‘Traffic Jam’.”
He added, “Also we just came out from the Marley Brothers Tour, which was the five of us. A different vibration than this.”
The Marley Brothers are now set to host their 9th Annual Welcome to Jamrock Cruise from December 9-14, 2024.
The cruise will feature various Jamaican artists and DJs.
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