Ziggy Marley honours late father Bob Marley on what would have been his 81st birthday

Today, February 6, would have marked the 81st birthday of reggae legend Bob Marley, the iconic Jamaican artist who transformed reggae into a global phenomenon.

His songs of love, unity, and resistance continue to resonate nearly 45 years after his passing.

In tribute, Grammy-winning singer Ziggy Marley has released a new song titled “Many Mourn for Bob”. This marks the first time Ziggy has written a song specifically dedicated to his father.

“‘Many Mourn for Bob’ is a reflection on my father from the deepest parts of my heart and subconscious mind, born from rediscovering him with new eyes,” Ziggy shared.

The song is accompanied by a poignant video featuring rare photographs of Bob Marley from Ziggy’s childhood. It will feature on Ziggy’s forthcoming ninth studio album, Brightside, set for release on 18 April for Record Store Day, with a digital release following on 1 May.

Bob Marley was born Robert Nesta Marley in Nine Mile, Jamaica, in 1945. Growing up mixed-race in a deeply divided society, he faced numerous challenges from an early age. After the death of his father, Marley moved with his mother to Trench Town in Kingston, an impoverished neighbourhood that would later become the cradle of his musical journey.

It was there that he met Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh, forming lifelong friendships that evolved into the legendary group The Wailers. Together, the trio honed their singing and songwriting, laying the foundation for a revolutionary sound.

Albums such as Natty Dread, Kaya, Exodus, Uprising and Survival cemented Marley’s status as a global icon, spreading messages of hope, unity, and resistance against oppression.

In 1977, Bob Marley was diagnosed with melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He passed away in May 1981 at the age of 36 and was laid to rest in Nine Mile, Jamaica.