He is the son of Bob Marley and Jamaican table tennis champion Anita Belnavis. He was born in Jamaica. But he grew up in Liberty City.
Ky-Mani Marley's first name means "adventurous traveler." The new label he just created is called Konfrontation Muzik. His album of the same name is currently being mixed. And he has a gig this weekend at Bayfront Park as part of the DWNTWN Concert Series.
So New Times caught up with him to talk about life, death, and music.
New Times: Is the new album almost done?
Ky-Mani Marley: I got two albums right now. One is Evolution of a Revolution, on the Evolution of a Revolution record label. And the other album is a more acoustic-driven cross between reggae and soft rock. But it's original and authentic with all the coloring of the roots of reggae music too. I think it's in a great place.
Are the lyrics based in reality? Or is it more like party music?
It's real life. The message is strong. The music is where hip-hop meets the dancehall and party vibe.
What's the feeling of it?
I put it to what the week might be like. One song for when you might be tired from working. One like makin' love to your girl. One might feel like ridin' out smokin'. I got you there too.
You weren't born in Miami, but you're pretty much from here.
I been here since I was like 8 years old, pretty much my entire life. I grew up on NW 22nd Avenue and 90th Street in Liberty City.
What is Konfrontation Muzik?
Konfrontation, to me, it's in our everyday life, every situation, no time for turning back. You confront love, your fears, your nightmares, and it don't have to mean something on some ra-ra ish. I can confront you and be civil, diplomatic, and peaceful at the same time. Whether that be love, your fear, music, or getting in your vehicle. We confront life, my brother, every day.
Word is you're working with a country singer too.
I been working with Big Kenny from the Big & Rich show outta Nashville. We have a couple songs out together. I sat down after we recorded and listened to the song, and it's a killer song. There's no way anybody can sit down and do reggae and urban and country and come up with this song. It's kind of a dance track, but it came out really dope. They have this thing called country electro now... authentic country sounds with electronic. Electro with banjos running through it. Crazy, crazy, crazy.
