Interview with Julian Marley- One Tuff Gong By Mara Etienne-Manley
To many, ‘Marley’ and ‘music’ are inter-connected, and it comes as no surprise when one of the youngest members of the Marley family takes centre stage, exploring to new and exciting territory.
There is a time and place for everything, and for thirty-two year old Julian Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, the time has come. Fulfilling his father’s prophecy that his music will live on through his children, Julian Marley, like his other siblings, is indeed making his mark on the reggae scene, expelling positive vibrations through his music.
On this particular Saturday night, I had very little exposure to Julian Marley’s music. When I entered the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, I was not quite sure what to expect, apart from the obvious fact that there would be pounding reggae rhythms, conscious melodies, and, for me, a deep feeling of nostalgia.
In a world thirsty for conscious and uplifting tunes, which creates a sense of identity and redemption for the masses, Julian Marley takes up the mantle wholeheartedly and continues the journey where his father left off.
Celebrating the release of his second album, ‘A Time and Place’ (his first solo album being ‘A Lion in the Morning’) Julian was charged with unrelenting energy, and a certain aura you will only understand if you know the history of the Marley family.
His music reflects the true Rastafarian values he was born into, while he flirts bravely, with newer styles, blending reggae music with jazz, samba and hip-hop.
A veteran performer despite the fact that that he is not as popular as his brothers Damian and Ziggy, Julian had the crowd chanting to the choruses of tracks from his new album which most of them had never heard before. With his slim build identical to Bob Marley’s, the haunting wail and the raw message that was Bob Marley’s trademark came so naturally, that when Julian performed ‘Exodus’ and ‘Redemption Song’ it seemed like it was an apparition of Bob Marley himself.
At the end of a soulful concert, Julian received a legend’s applause from his adoring new fans, seemingly moved by his sterling performance.
It was a pleasure chatting with Julian Marley or 'Ju-Ju' as he is affectionatley called, who shares the experiences of his musical journey, and what it’s like to be an integral part of the Marley legacy.
MEM:Congratulationson the release of your new album, ‘A Time and Place’. You’ve decided to create your own style, incorporating Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop. What would you say influenced this bold move?
Julian: Well just love of music. I listened to a lot of music growing up, including Nat King Cole and Stevie Wonder…[music] it’s a thing that’s always been there.
MEM:The opening song, “Father’s Place” is a favourite of many. Tell me a little about this song.
Julian: Well, ‘Father’s Place’, when we say we’re going to our Father’s Place, it can be Africa. Your Father’s Place can be in your meditation, when you get away from all the confusion. It’s all about, freeing yourself from that same mental slavery. Sometimes you find yourself drifting, and what you gonna do to divert that problem? In times of troubles, where you normally go? To your Father’s House so... you know everything is linked.
MEM:How do you explain what it’s like to continue your father’s journey through your music?
Julian: Explain...unexplainable. It’s just Jah work, you know, so you cannot explain Jah work, you have to just trod it. Once you have that inspiration, that message.
MEM: Another hit on your new album is the song entitled ‘System’.
Julian: System...Well, systems were made to divide, rule and abuse the people. We all know what the system is about so what we need to do with that knowledge is come together. [The track] is just acknowledging what they do, divide and use and abuse. But the main thing we have to deal with now is unity.
MEM:You were brought up in a multi-cultural community in London, where you were born. How has the experience of growing up in London impacted on your spirituality and your music?
Julian:There’s no real spiritual difference. Anywhere you go it’s the same thing. Same feeling, same struggle, you know what I mean, only the music is different, but the mentality is the same.
MEM: You’re obviously making strides with your music, with the release of your new album. What’s next for Julian Marley?
Julian:A whole heap of work. More albums, all kinds a tings... more collaborations with our brothers and things like that.
MEM:Thanks for taking the time to speak with me. I wish you all the best with your music.
