Raggamuffin: Ky-Mani Marley true to his heritage

Raggamuffin 2011 is on in Rotorua today, the fourth time the concert has been held in the city. The line-up includes international artists Mary J Blige, Jimmy Cliff, The Original Wailers, Maxi Priest and Ky-Mani Marley. Kiwi artists performing include Che Fu and The Krates, Nesian Mystik, 1814 and Sons of Zion. The Daily Post's chief reporter, Kristin Macfarlane, speaks to Bob Marley's son, Ky-Mani.

 

 

HIS name resonates Jamaican royalty and he's following in the footsteps of his  famous father.

 

But Ky-Mani Marley wasn't always destined for the reggae journey his father, Bob, started so many years ago.

 

The second-youngest of Bob Marley's 11 children bears the Marley name but was initially more interested in pursuing a sporting career rather than one in music. He eventually found his way to music and is  today part of the international line-up for Raggamuffin 2011 at the Rotorua International Stadium.

 

He's excited to be part of the festival.

 

"I've been looking forward to this for quite some time," he says.

 

He was happy about getting the opportunity to come to Rotorua as part of the Raggamuffin tour and is keen to give festival fans a bit of everything - incorporating world music, hip hop, blues, rock and grass roots. Ahead of the gig he was promising "good vibration, some good music" and a lot of energy.

 

"My style is a little different," he says.

 

"I think what sets me apart is my approach to the music. I don't like when people tell me I can't do anything. I need to speak my mind and my heart."

 

He is a versatile artist and songs like Dear Dad, I Pray and Ghetto Soldier prove that. He says having versatility is key.

 

"In order to be great you have to have your own identity."

 

The son of Bob Marley and table tennis champion Anita Belnavis, Ky-Mani was not raised in Jamaica.

 

He grew up in Miami in the United States where he was exposed to an urban lifestyle and a wider variety of musical genres.

 

"It really broadened by view as far as music is concerned," he says.

 

As a child, Ky-Mani had no interest in following in the footsteps of his father and was more interested in playing sports.

 

However in 1997, Ky-Mani teamed up with hip hop artist Pras of The Fugees and collaborated on Eddy Grant's Electric Avenue.

 

It was the defining moment in Ky-Mani's journey, leading him to pick up the torch his father lit so many years ago.

 

Remaining true to his Jamaican heritage, Ky-Mani's interest in all music genres influences the work he creates.

 

While in Rotorua, he hopes to visit as much of the city as he can.

 

"I don't have any plans but I'd like to see as much of the country as possible."