Heavy words like heritage and legacy are often used when the subject is
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. As Bob Marley's children, the band will
always be associated with their father's towering presence as both a musician
and cultural icon. And this is how it should be. To resist this association
would be to deny the musical and spiritual blessings and heritage that have
flowed from Bob to his children in what has truly been an extraordinary natural
progression.
The Melody Makers are building upon the foundation
I and I father started. They have forged a sound all their own, incorporating
international contemporary musical forms without losing an essential roots
reggae sensibility. As Ziggy has said, "Bob stuff is unique. Melody stuff is
unique." Since their debut as young teenagers until their present incarnation
as a seasoned and highly professional band there has been one constant: great
songs. From "Tomorrow People" and "Tumblin' Down" to
"Everyone Wants to Be",
the hits keep coming from what is still a relatively young group of musicians.
After eight acclaimed albums, two Grammy awards and sold-out concerts before
tens of thousands, the Marley magic continues to spread.
Perhaps it is because this is message-music. Ziggy and his siblings live
in a different time from their father, and this reality is reflected in their
work. Without preaching or proselytizing, the Melody Makers sing about the
world as they see it and as it could be. They sing about African peoples and
their history, but the music doesn't carry a message of exclusion or
retribution. And as they comment on the human struggle and problems and
tribulations that face us all, the Melody Makers never lose sight of the fact
that music is a celebration.
Words like optimism and positivity are often used
- and used correctly - when people describe their music. The Melody Makers'
gift has been to inspire and uplift in a conscious party that, as fans, we hope
will carry on well into the next millenium. Catch phrases like "one love" and
"one world" seem less like fantasy and more like possibility when the Melody
Makers are in town.
Ziggy sums it up like this: "The revolution is still alive and the youth, them
have to know that."
THE MELODYMAKERS
Ziggy Marley | Stephen Marley | Sharon Marley | Cedella Marley
GHETTO YOUTHS CREW
Ziggy, Stephen, Damian and Julian Marley
Guestbook | The Music |
| The Melody Makers | The Marley Store
Copyright ©2003 Bob Marley Music, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|