Ziggy Marley’s music endeavors are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his range of talents. He’s written a children’s book, hosted a radio show, started an organic snack food company and even created his own comic book –– “Marijuanaman.” Marley has immersed himself in a variety of projects, but his approach remains the same.
“I do all things with love,” Marley said. “These aren’t things I do for the money; these are things I do because I feel it.”
Marley was scheduled to perform Saturday as part of Washington State University’s Humanitas Festival, but the concert was canceled due to “unforeseen circumstances,” according to Beasley Coliseum officials. It won’t be rescheduled.
Born in Trenchtown, Jamaica, Marley said his parents – Rita and music legend Bob Marley – always set a positive example for him to follow. His parents, he said, taught him the key to staying grounded is to always remember where you come from. He took that mantra and put it to work by participating in a number of philanthropies, including U.R.G.E., which acts to support education, health and the environment in efforts to improve the communities where children live and grow, specifically in Jamaica and Africa.
After his father’s death in 1981, Marley made it a point to carry his father’s legacy, both on and off the stage.
“I love playing his music when I perform live,” Marley said. “That music connection is very important and I feel what he felt when I perform his songs.”
Throughout his musical career, Marley has released a dozen albums as Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers – a band composed of him and his siblings. He has also recorded several solo albums since 2003, including the award-winning “Love is My Religion; Family Time,” which earned him his fifth Grammy.
His latest album, “Fly Rasta,” was released in 2014 and includes collaborations with the Melody Makers. The effort won him a Grammy in February for Best Reggae Album.
Following his father’s footsteps in more ways than just musically, Marley has also made it a point to be politically engaged and educated, specifically in terms of the legalization of marijuana. Knowledge, Marley said, is key.
“Marijuana is not to be taken too lightly, and people can still misuse the plant,” Marley said. “We have the knowledge, but for whatever political reason, people try to demonize it.”
Marley’s comic book, “Marijuanaman,” combats the drug’s negative stigma by naming the hero Marijuana Man and making his purpose to save the planet.
Marley said everything he’s accomplished is a reflection of who he is. Now, at 46 years old, Marley can look back at everything he’s learned from his father and his own life experiences.
“As a human being, I’ve become more understanding of love and loving other people,” Marley said. “Evolution is love and I want to share that with everybody.”
Refund info Tickets purchased with a credit card online or by phone through TicketsWest will be automatically credited. Ticket-holders who bought their tickets at Beasley Coliseum or at an outlet will need to send tickets and contact information including name, address, phone number and email to TicketsWest: Refund, 720 W. Mallon Ave., Spokane, WA 99201.
