IN THE MIX: Fresh Marley interview uncovered + What’s next for Omi + Morgan Heritage/Marleys on tour
I AM LEGEND: Leave it to Bob Marley to make a surprise appearance when you least expect it. The late reggae superstar is gracing the pages of the September issue of Ebony Magazine, in a world-exclusive, never-before-published interview (“The Lost One”), conducted by noted journalist-filmmaker Nelson George. In candid Q-&-A responses, the Gong reflects on everything from his provocative albums to the sociopolitical landscape in Jamaica to his thoughts on art, life and everything in between. As with most anything concerning Robert ‘Nesta’ Marley, the article is a must-read. The September issue of Ebony is on newsstands now.
ON A ROLL: Anticipation is sky high for the arrival of Omi’s major-label debut album, Me 4 U, which is being released by Louder Than Life/Ultra/Columbia Records on October 16. What a year he’s been having. Lead-off single “Cheerleader (Remix”) was last week anointed Song of the Summer by Billboard, after the track spent several consecutive weeks in the #1 spot on the Hot 100 Chart. Meanwhile, “Hula Hoop” is the buzzworthy new single that’s already generating heat, with a video clip set to premiere before the end of the year. The fast-rising reggae pop star has been on a roll, but it remains to be seen if his recent spate of good luck can translate to record sales.
FAMILY AFFAIR: There couldn’t be a more apt title for the Catch A Fire Tour that’s brought together the roots-reggae rockers of Morgan Heritage with Marley family heavyweights Stephen and Junior Gong (alongside third-generation up-and-comers Skip Marley and Jo Mersa) to blaze concert stages across the United States, from August 29 (in Philly) until September 27 (in L.A.). For Gramps Morgan, hitting the road and bringing the heat with the Marleys was something he and his siblings have always dreamed of. “We always spoke of the day when Marley and Morgan would tour together, sharing the same stage, night in and night out. Well, now the time has come and we couldn’t be more joyful to see this dream become a reality,” Gramps says. “To be on the road bringing this energy to the people is fulfilling on so many levels for us. Reggae music needed this love that we share to be presented on a stage such as this, and we are grateful to be part of the journey.” Morgan Heritage’s latest album, Strictly Roots, is their follow-up to the acclaimed Here Come the Kings, released in 2013.
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