Tanya Ellis, Gleaner Writer
Stephen Marley performs at the Jamaica Cultural Develop-ment Commission's 'Get Up Stand Up Concert' on Tuesday, February 6, 2007. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
The sons of reggae prodigy Bob Marley continue to celebrate the legacy of their father by constantly bringing home and having a presence in the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Grammy Awards. This time around it is Stephen Marley who has been nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award in the Reggae Category for his album Mind Control.
"It is a real proud moment for me to be celebrating such a honourable nomination in the same year the Grammy Awards celebrates its 50th year. It feels like I have been asked to be a part of historical musical achievement and not so much to accept an award," Marley said.
Growing up as a fruit of the Marley tree has humbled Stephen, and while he accepts that even being nominated for the award is a significant achievement, he remains adamant that with or without the Grammies the music of the Marleys will continue to live on. "I am grateful to be sharing the experience of the nomination with veterans like Sly and Robbie. That for me is one of the greater honours of the invitation," he said.
Stephen says the nomination is proof that he has achieved in the industry.
The Marley musical sons have always been a force to reckon with, and Stephen is persistent in supporting the corner posts of this organisation. He feels to some extent that he has achieved this with Mind Control, which is delivered with amazing vocal buoyancy and emotion.
strong backbone
"My father has built and laid the foundations for a full-blown Marley family renaissance," said Stephen as he drifts into the ambience of his musical success and the reality of his legacy. "With Mind Control I feel like I have contributed to the strengthening of that backbone."
The album is one that reflects who Stephen has become as a musician. It is rich in confidence, lyrical diversity and culture. The mystique of Stephen's personality is translated into his music. "I accept the mystery of my individuality; that is who I am and I am not prepared to let that go," he said. "I am the baby of the Melody Makers and through the music I have 'organically' broken away as Stephen. No effort was placed into that transition; it was my duty to accept the legacy that the 'Master', who is also my mentor, left for us, and I will continue to work hard to maintain it."
The dedication that Stephen puts into his work is reflected in the quality that he presents to his audience. Listening to the husky melody of Stephen's voice is like listening to a dynasty of classic reggae lyrics spoken through the lips of a true 'servant of the almighty', a term he uses to describe himself. The intimacy of his voice produces sounds that could easily soothe the lion of Judah.
The invitation to witness the acoustic recording of Mind Control at the Bob Marley museum on the first Saturday in 2008 could not be turned down. Watching the intricacy of Stephen's fingers as he caressed his guitar while warming up to Iron Bars, the fourth track on Mind Control, was enough to convey the passion he feels for his music.
The message
"My aim is to make a difference, I do what I do with a lot of passion and I will do that from my soul until I shall pass away," Stephen said to The Sunday Gleaner. Mind Control for me is like a basket of fruits. Each song will carry a special message for different people. For me it carries one of the most important messages I ever had to deliver."
The message he refers to is one that highlights the ubiquitous elements of mental slavery within society. "Whether it is the freedom from colour, creed or class slavery it is like my father said, too many of us 'stand aside and look'. The fight in us seems to be disappearing," he said.
Stephen narrows it down to our submissive attitude towards mental slavery. "Today's youth cannot afford to stray any farther from reality. It is important to find power from within to keep up the fight. As long as there is even a glitch of weakness, mankind will always be chained to social dictation," he said.
Every opportunity Stephen gets to teach is done through music. The youngest son of Rita Marley reinforced that "knowledge is power, and power without knowledge leaves room for societal breakdown".
Stephen's musical style is one that is unique and sets him apart from his brothers. He admits that in previous years he would often be mistaken for Ziggy. Stephen says his music is tailor-made from an open-minded musical vibe, but ultimately the production is an invitation for his fans to share in the essence of his spirit.
He decided to do an acoustic recording of Mind Control because he believed that the time was right for him to 'promote his guitar' and get personal with his audience. "I think the melody of the acoustic beat takes it straight to the heart of audience," he confided. "It was the first approach to the album and the experience was very deep. The people loved it, so I decided to re-record after the main release."
Stephen Marley holds the most Grammy wins in the Reggae Category.
