Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Stephen Marley - File

Life is good for the hard-working, such as producer and singer Stephen Marley. Marley has had a phenomenal year, which continues tonight with his special appearance on the third staging of the Gleaner-sponsored 'Welcome to Jamrock' at the Constant Spring football field.

A five-time Grammy winner, Stephen made a huge step this year with the release of his debut solo album Mind Control, which has got outstanding reviews globally and has already been nominated for a 2008 reggae Grammy award. A producer and musician, Marley has been the musical backbone of his talented family with his success continuing throughout the year with the Mind Control tour, which went throughout the United States.

A blend of genres, Mind Control showcased Marley's heart-wrenching voice, writing skills and his special touch as producer. Months later, after all the praise has come in, Stephen is sitting proud with his Grammy nomination, which he anticipated. "I feel great. Mind Control is a good body of work. The message from Mind Control itself really got out there, which is important," he said.

While Stephen has time to sit back and relax it's all work for the artiste who has a few new songs out, such as The Mission with his brother, Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley.

To unite garrisons

He told The Gleaner that "The vibe of the song is really to unite all garrison to enlighten them all. Right now di yutes have no plan; we're destroying ourselves and our future." Stephen also has another single out entitled We've Come A Long Way, and praises his brother Damian's new single, Real Friends.

With all the good tidings 2007 has brought, Stephen is still on the musical ball, going back into the studio to produce his brothers' (Julian and Damian) next albums.

But before that Stephen can be seen performing in Jamaica for the first time since the release of Mind Control, on the 'Welcome to Jamrock' stage tonight at the Constant Spring football field. Stephen will be making a special performance alongside his brother, headline performer Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley, and is excited about performing for his many fans.

"It's gonna be niceness at the show. I plan to bring di message to the people. They can expect good quality music, quality entertainment. We love di fans and all di tings we do is really for the people," Stephen said.

'Welcome to Jamrock' also features Etana, Tarrus Riley, Rootz Underground and the first international act to hit the Jamrock stage, Collie Buddz.