Bob Marley's 12 Kids: Where Are They Now?

April 16, 2024, 9:05 p.m.

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Bob Marley's 12 Kids: Where Are They Now?

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Summary Following in their father's footsteps, Bob Marley's children have built successful careers in music, entrepreneurship, and activism.

The Marley family continues to honor Bob's legacy, with his children creating a lasting impact in their respective fields through talent and dedication.

Bob Marley's children, such as Ziggy, Cedella, and Damian, showcase their musical prowess and humanitarian efforts, carrying on their father's message.

The hit biopic Bob Marley: One Love has showcased the remarkable life of Bob Marley, highlighting his 12 children and the enduring legacy he left behind. Given the rich history of the Marley family, what has become of Bob Marley's children today? This great music biopic, which hit theaters on February 14th, was a labor of love for the Marley family, with Bob's widow Rita Marley and two of his children, Ziggy and Cedella Marley, serving as producers.

Despite the challenge of capturing the entirety of Bob's complex life as an activist, family man, and rising superstar in a single film, the Marleys strived to present an honest portrayal of his legacy. Bob's untimely death from cancer in 1981 at the age of 36 left behind a family that has carried on his message and spirit, with many of his children finding success in music, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. As the paths his children have taken are explored, it becomes clear that his influence continues to shape their lives and the world around them.

Name Date of Birth Mother's Name Sharon Marley November 23, 1964 Rita Marley Cedella Marley August 23, 1967 Rita Marley Ziggy Marley October 17, 1968 Rita Marley Stephen Marley April 20, 1972 Rita Marley Robbie Marley May 16, 1972 Pat Williams Rohan Marley May 19, 1972 Janet Hunt Karen Marley February 26, 1973 Janet Bowen Stephanie Marley August 17, 1974 Rita Marley Julian Marley June 4, 1975 Lucy Pounder Ky-Mani Marley February 26, 1976 Anita Belnavis Damian Marley July 21, 1978 Cindy Breakspeare Makeda Jahnesta May 30. 1981 Yvette Crichton

12 Sharon Marley

November 23, 1964

Born on November 23, 1964, Sharon Marley is the adopted daughter of Bob Marley, who married her mother, Rita Marley, in 1966. Almost 60 years old, Sharon has made her mark in the arts as a singer, dancer, and curator. As a member of the Grammy-winning group Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, alongside her siblings Ziggy, Cedella, and Stephen, she has contributed to the band's impressive collection of three Grammy Awards and eight nominations.

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Beyond her musical achievements, Sharon is actively involved in her community as an organizer and activist. She also serves as the curator of the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Jamaica, preserving and promoting her father's legacy. In 2024, Sharon Marley released her solo EP entitled Steppah, showcasing her individual artistic talents and continuing the family's rich musical tradition and legacy, a legacy that can be heard in the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack.

11 Cedella Marley

August 23, 1967

Cedella Marley, Bob and Rita Marley’s second oldest child, has built an impressive career spanning music, fashion, and literature. As a former member of the Grammy-winning group Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, she showcased her musical talent before transitioning to leadership roles within the family's various businesses. Cedella's entrepreneurial spirit shines through her ownership and design of the women's casualwear brand Catch A Fire, while she also serves as the CEO of Tuff Gong International and director of The Bob Marley Foundation.

Related Where To Watch Bob Marley One Love The true story of Bob Marley's life is the focus of a new movie, and here is where to watch Bob Marley: One Love with showtimes or on streaming.

Her involvement in Hope Road Merchandising, LLC and House of Marley ensures that her father's legacy is preserved and promoted. Cedella has also made her mark as an author, penning several children's books, including her most recent release, Marley and the Family Band, which draws from her experiences as a migrant child in Delaware and highlights the power of music and the importance of sharing migration stories. Balancing her professional achievements with her role as a mother of three boys, Cedella continues to inspire through her multifaceted approach to life and work.

10 Ziggy Marley

October 17, 1968

Ziggy Marley followed in his father's footsteps, becoming one of the most renowned musicians among Bob Marley's children. With eight Grammy Awards to his name, Ziggy has released a series of successful albums, including Dragonfly, Love Is a Religion, Family Time, Wild and Free, Fly Rasta, and his self-titled album, with his most recent release being Ziggy Marley Live at Summer Stage New York. Alongside his musical pursuits, Ziggy has ventured into writing, authoring children's books, a cookbook, and even creating a comic book titled MarijuanaMan.

As a tribute to his father, Ziggy compiled a photo book called Bob Marley: Portrait of the Legend, which led him to reflect on his father's immense accomplishments despite his short life. Beyond his creative endeavors, Ziggy is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various foundations focused on children in need, the environment, education, and healthcare. A father of seven, including singer Bambaata Marley, Ziggy continues to inspire through his music and dedication to making a positive impact on the world.

9 Stephen Marley

April 20, 1972

Stephen Marley began his professional singing career at the tender age of 7, performing alongside his older siblings in The Melody Makers. An eight-time Grammy winner, with six of those awards in the Best Album category, Stephen has not only made his mark as a solo artist, but also as a member of the family band and as a producer for his younger brother Damian's albums. Collaborating with a diverse range of artists, including Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and The Roots, Stephen has showcased his versatility and talent throughout his career.

Alongside his musical pursuits, he co-founded the Ghetto Youths Foundation with his younger brothers Damian and Julian Marley, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy. Stephen is currently on tour with his brother Damian, sharing their music with audiences around the world. Through both his charity work and performances, Stephen Marley exemplifies his dedication to making a positive impact through music.

8 Robbie Marley

May 16, 1972

Robbie Marley was born on May 16, 1972, to Bob Marley and Pat Williams, but has maintained a more private life compared to his well-known siblings. In 2011, however, he embarked on a transformative journey to Africa alongside his brothers Ziggy and Rohan, which was captured in the documentary film Marley Africa Roadtrip. This adventure followed the three sons as they traced their father's roots and delved into his legacy of music, family, and African unity, three decades after his passing.

Robbie also appeared in the 2012 documentary MARLEY, where he shared his thoughts on being the son of an iconic figure. During an interview with Collider that same year, he contemplated how his father's influence has had a positive impact on his life, emphasizing that it has consistently encouraged him to be a better person and deterred him from making poor decisions. While Robbie's life remains relatively private, his love for graphic arts and his family's heritage continues to shape his journey.

7 Rohan Marley

May 19, 1972

Bob Marley’s sixth child, Rohan Marley, made his mark as an entrepreneur, founding the Tuff Gong clothing line and the Marley Coffee business. A former professional American football player, Rohan played for the University of Miami and later for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League. He is also a father to eight children, five of whom he shares with singer and songwriter Lauryn Hill.

In 2020, Rohan made headlines when his daughter Selah publicly called out both her parents for their parenting methods. In response, Rohan issued a public apology acknowledging his personal growth as a man, spiritual being, and father, and pledging to be the best dad he can be (via Hollywood Life). Beyond his personal life, Rohan remains active in his family's charitable organization, 1Love, and continues to oversee the operations of Marley Coffee, a venture inspired by his father's dream of combining his passion for music with farming.

Related Bob Marley One Love Cast & Real-Life Character Comparison Bob Marley's life story is brought to the screen with a new biopic, and Bob Marley: One Love's cast features recognizable names and newcomers.

6 Karen Marley

February 26, 1973

Born to Bob Marley and Janet Bowen, Karen Marley has made her mark in the fashion industry as the designer behind her eco-friendly label, By Karen Marley. Based in Los Angeles, she has garnered recognition for her sustainable clothing brand, which has featured some of her siblings as models. Despite leading a relatively private life, Karen's dedication to her craft and her commitment to honoring her father's legacy are evident in both her work and her words. As she further develops her fashion empire, Karen Marley exemplifies how one can carve their own path while staying true to their roots.

5 Stephanie Marley

August 17, 1974

Bob and Rita Marley’s youngest child, Stephanie Marley has largely maintained a private life while still contributing to the family's legacy. In 2015, she worked at B'Unik Modeling Talent Agency, where she was responsible for revitalizing the business by networking with ad agencies and production teams to increase publicity and make it easier for agencies to identify talented children. A graduate of Western University in London, Ontario, Canada, with a bachelor's degree in psychology, Stephanie has been involved with the Bob Marley Museum and the Bob Marley Foundation.

Currently, she serves as the director of her mother's organization, the Rita Marley Foundation, where she upholds the family's values of kindness and service. In a 2015 interview with her alma mater, Stephanie emphasized that she was raised to serve others, believing that her parents' success and fame stemmed from their innate kindness and her father's true purpose of spreading positivity through his music and work (via Western News).

4 Julian Marley

June 4, 1975

Bob Marley and Lucy Pounder’s son, Julian, has followed in his father's footsteps as a musician, songwriter, producer, and humanitarian. A devoted Rastafarian, Julian released his debut album, Lion In The Morning, in 1996, followed by A Time & Place, Awake, and his most recent work, Colors of Royal. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with his siblings, showcasing the family's musical talent and unity.

In a 2020 interview with The Guardian Life, Julian expressed his perspective on living up to his father's legacy, stating that he doesn't feel pressured to achieve the same level of success. He believes that everyone has their own mission and purpose, and he focuses on doing what he is meant to do. Julian's approach to life and music is grounded in his Rastafarian faith, which guides his creative pursuits and humanitarian efforts.

3 Ky-Mani Marley

February 26, 1976

Ky-Mani Marley is the son of Bob Marley and table tennis champion Anita Belnavis. Marley has made a name for himself as a talented musician and occasional actor. Despite not growing up in the Marley household like his siblings, Ky-Mani has followed in his father's footsteps, releasing several albums, including Like Father Like Son, Radio, The Journey, and Maestro. His musical prowess earned him a Grammy nomination for best reggae album in 2002 for Many More Roads, although his brother Damian Marley took home the award that year.

Although Bob Marley’s affair with Ky-Mani’s mother was left out of the biopic, Ky-Mani has persistently honored the Marley legacy through his music and creative endeavors. His commitment to preserving his father's heritage echoes in his artistic contributions, securing the Marley legacy for future generations. Despite losing his father at a young age, Ky-Mani has fully embraced his role as a torchbearer of the Marley name.

2 Damian Marley

July 21, 1978

Damian Marley, the four-time Grammy Award-winning artist and youngest son of Bob Marley and Cindy Breakspeare, has made a triumphant return to the music scene after a nearly five-year hiatus since his last solo single, "Reach Home Safe." During this time, Marley collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Wizkid, Common, and Killer Mike, showcasing his versatility and ability to transcend genres. In July of last year, he marked his grand comeback as a solo artist with a captivating cover of George Harrison's classic 1970 song "My Sweet Lord," paying homage to the legendary Beatles member.

Damian, affectionately known as "Jr. Gong," in reference to his father's nickname "Tuff Gong,” has consistently proven his skills in the reggae world, earning four of his five Grammy Awards in the Best Reggae Album category. His musical prowess extends beyond reggae, with collaborations spanning various genres, showcasing his versatility and influence in the global music scene. Like all of his siblings, Damian stands as a testament to the enduring impact of the Marley legacy, ensuring its relevance and vibrancy in contemporary music.

1 Makeda Jahnesta

May 30. 1981

Makeda Jahnesta was born on May 30, 1981, just days after her father's passing. She is the reggae legend's youngest child, shared with Yvette Crichton. In 2010, Makeda made headlines when she was caught growing marijuana in her home, but she has since channeled her passion for cannabis into a legitimate business venture. While not as much is known about Makeda compared to some of her older siblings, she continues to build her own path while honoring her father's history in her own unique way.

Source: Collider, Hollywood Life, Western News, The Guardian Life