| Full Name | David Nesta "Ziggy" Marley |
| Age | 54 |
| Birthday | October 17, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Jamaica |
| Spouse | Orly Agai |
| Children | 6 |
| Genres | Reggae, rock, pop |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, drums, keyboards |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Net worth | $20 million |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
David Nesta "Ziggy" Marley is a Jamaican singer, songwriter, musician and actor. He is the son of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley and was leader of the family band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. Ziggy grew up immersed in the reggae culture of Jamaica. After his father‘s untimely death from cancer in 1981 at age 36, Ziggy stepped up at just 13 years old to carry on his musical legacy.
Over an acclaimed decades-long career, Ziggy has established himself as one of the most popular and respected reggae artists worldwide. He has released over a dozen albums blending reggae, rock, pop and hip hop influences that often address social issues and promote justice. Ziggy is recognized for his infectious optimism and spirit of universial love that echoes his father‘s visionary message.
Ziggy Marley‘s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ziggy was born David Nesta Marley in 1968 in the Trenchtown area of Kingston, Jamaica to Bob Marley and Rita Marley. His father gave him the nickname "Ziggy" after a soccer player he admired. Surrounded by music growing up, Ziggy learned to play guitar, drums, and keyboards by the time he was 10 years old, with Bob Marley as his teacher.
After his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1977, Ziggy began performing in his band on tour. He was only 9 years old at the time. Following Bob Marley‘s death in 1981, Ziggy and his siblings Cedella, Stephen and Sharon formally launched the band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. Ziggy took on a leadership role as the main songwriter, lead singer and guitarist.
Ziggy Marley‘s Rise to Fame in the 1980s
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers made their recording debut in 1985 with their album Play the Game Right. But it was their 1988 album Conscious Party that launched 12-year-old Ziggy Marley to stardom. The record delivered two hit singles – "Tomorrow People" and "Tumblin‘ Down" – and established Ziggy‘s talent for fusing reggae rhythms with pop melodies and socially conscious lyrics.
In 1991, Ziggy won his first Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album with Jamekya. By the 1990s, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers became global ambassadors for reggae music, touring worldwide and releasing several more successful albums. According to Ziggy, "Reggae music is not something that‘s supposed to be stuck in the past. It too can evolve" (source). Throughout his career, he has continued to evolve his sound.
Ziggy‘s Accomplishments as a Solo Artist
After disbanding The Melody Makers in the early 2000s, Ziggy went on to thrive as a solo artist. He‘s won a total of 8 Grammy Awards, including 5 for Best Reggae Album. Other highlights include:
- 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from ASCAP
- 2019 Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- 2022 Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Ziggy Marley‘s music as a solo artist continues to uplift listeners around the world. Songs like "Love is My Religion" and "A Lifetime" exemplify his signature joyful sound and spiritual lyrics. Though Ziggy has achieved immense commercial success, he stays true to spreading awareness through his music.
Charitable Works and Activism
In addition to music, Ziggy Marley is dedicated to charity work and social activism. Some of his efforts include:
- Founding Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment (URGE), which benefits children in Jamaica, Ethiopia and more
- Advocating for environmental sustainability, organic farming and renewable energy
- Promoting equal rights and justice through song lyrics and personal activism
Ziggy sees no separation between music and working to make the world a better place: "I‘m here to do what we‘re supposed to do on this earth—help each other" (source). He often plays concerts to raise money for causes close to his heart.
Why Ziggy Marley is Beloved Worldwide
There are endless reasons Ziggy Marley is cherished by fans across the globe. Here are just a few:
- His activism and charitable spirit inspire us to help others and create positive change
- Ziggy radiates joy on stage and never fails to energize a crowd with his passionate performances
- He bridges cultures and promotes unity through the universal language of music
- Ziggy‘s uplifting lyrics and catchy melodies can lift your mood no matter what‘s going on in life
- He stays connected to his roots and proudly carries on his father‘s legacy
- Ziggy lives with integrity and uses his platform to speak out on important issues
- His decades-spanning career shows his impressive longevity and continued relevance
As a longtime Ziggy Marley fan myself, his music and message have meant so much to me over the years. I‘m grateful such a talented, soulful artist chooses to touch our lives with his gift. Ziggy‘s still got so much left to give, and I can‘t wait to see what he accomplishes next!
Fun Facts About Ziggy Marley
- His father Bob gave him the nickname "Ziggy" after British soccer player Ziggy Byfield.
- Ziggy met his wife Orly Agai at a reggae concert in Los Angeles where he performed. They married in 2008.
- He has over a dozen tattoos, including a dragon surrounding his left arm. Many represent his Rastafari culture.
- Ziggy‘s song "Changes" was featured as the opening theme for the children‘s TV show Arthur – it remained the theme for nearly 20 seasons!
- In addition to music, Ziggy has his own organic food and drink company called Ziggy‘s Healthy Foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ziggy Marley‘s birthday?
Ziggy Marley‘s birthday is on October 17, 1968. He is currently 54 years old.
Where did Ziggy Marley grow up?
Ziggy grew up in the Trenchtown neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica with his parents Bob and Rita Marley along with his many siblings.
What was Ziggy Marley‘s first album?
Ziggy Marley‘s debut studio album with his siblings as Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers was called Play the Game Right. It was released in 1985 when Ziggy was 17 years old.
How many Grammys has Ziggy Marley won?
Ziggy Marley has been awarded a total of 8 Grammy Awards over his career, including 5 Grammys for Best Reggae Album. His most recent Grammy came in 2021.
Is Ziggy Marley vegetarian?
Yes, Ziggy Marley follows a strict vegetarian/vegan diet. He advocates for plant-based, organic and GMO-free eating habits. Ziggy‘s passionate about nutrition and healthy living.
Ziggy Marley has inspired millions over his long career by spreading joy through music and selfless activism. As Bob Marley‘s first-born, Ziggy had massive shoes to fill, but he‘s paved his own way as a reggae icon who touches hearts worldwide. There‘s no stopping his continued musical evolution and efforts to make our planet a better place.
