An icon of reggae, Ky-Mani Marley is no less enamoured of hip-hop, and since his early days has proposed a real fusion of these two styles. Heavily influenced by the American culture in which he grew up, Ky-Mani has remained faithful to his Jamaican culture, spreading it to the four corners of the globe for several decades!
The year 2024 marked not only his return to the stage after several years' absence, but also his return to the studio with the release of the long-awaited single “New Creature”. His new album, ‘Love & Energy’, is due for release in the autumn.
To be (re)discovered in 2025!
Born February 26, 1976 in Falmouth, Jamaica, Ky-Mani Marley is the son of famous Bob Marley and table tennis champion Anita Belnavis. He grew up alone with his mother in the Jamaican countryside and sadly lost his father at the age of 5. Two years later, he left his homeland with his mother to settle in Miami.
Very early on, he developed his musical talents (thus learning to play the trumpet, piano and guitar), in parallel with a notable involvement in sport. During his adolescence, he also tried his hand at rap and the profession of DJ, along with his brothers Stephen, Julian and Damian, and finally found his vocation there.
In 1995, he began his musical career with a first single "Unnecessary Badness" and was quickly spotted by Shabba Ranks producer Clifton Dillon, who offered him a first contract with Shang Records. He will then record "Dear Dad" which is a great success. In 1996, aged 20, he released his very first album, "Like Father Like Son", 11 tracks from his father's repertoire, and their dub versions.
The following year, he teamed up with Praswell from Fugees for a cover of "Electric Avenue". Signed by a new label, he collaborates with PM Dawn on the single "Gotta Be Movin On Up", which helps the musician to establish himself in a genre other than reggae.
In 2000, "The Journey" was released which stood out for its eclectic influences, ranging from RnB to hip-hop. It is followed by "Many More Roads", a more classic, more reggae, Grammy-nominated album. Then will come the compilation "Milestone", and the albums "Radio" in 2007 and "Evolution of a Revolution" in 2010.
His album "Maestro" was the first album released on his own label Konfrontation Muzik Group and distributed in June 2016. An accomplished singer and musician, Ky-Mani also developed acting skills while playing in the films "One Love" , "Shottas", "Haven" and is currently preparing his movie "Necessary Badness".
Its raw, pure sound captures the listener and reverberates the essence of Ky-Mani's life. Songs like "Dear Dad", "I Pray", or "Ghetto Soldier" display the versatility and fiery passion that Ky-Mani exudes when he shares his journey in song. We find these ingredients that make his success during his lives that bring crowds around the world. His set transcends eras with hymns from his father, hits from his early days and today, current singles, and genres ranging from hip-hop, to R&B, through dancehall. It is thus aptly named which means "The adventurous traveler" in Ethiopian.
Ky-Mani Marley is also known for his numerous collaborations with reggae artists like Gentleman (on the album "Conversations"), Protoje, but also from other musical horizons like Young Buck, Afu-Ra, Ms. Dynamite, Pittbull , Akon or even XXX Tentacion. With his new recordings, like on "Atardecer" with Arcangel and Farruko, or with Nick Brodeur on the single "She" s so Crazy "Ky-Mani Marley continues to highlight his multiple influences!
Tour announced soon!