Ziggy Marley

David Nesta "Ziggy" Marley is the eldest son of legendary reggae icon Bob Marley and Rita Marley, born on 17 October 1968 in Kingston, Jamaica. Raised in the vibrant Trenchtown neighbourhood and later in Wilmington, Delaware, he absorbed a multicultural upbringing that blended Jamaican roots with American influences. From an early age he was immersed in music, receiving guitar and drum lessons from his father and participating in studio sessions by age ten. His nickname "Ziggy"—reportedly inspired by David Bowie’s alter ego—became his stage moniker as he stepped onto the world stage with his siblings in the family band Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers. The group, formed in 1979, quickly gained fame with the single "Children Playing in the Streets," a song penned by Bob Marley for his children, and went on to win multiple Grammy Awards, most notably for the 1988 album Conscious Party. After the group disbanded in 2002, Ziggy launched a prolific solo career, releasing albums such as Dragonfly (2003), Love Is My Religion (2006), and Rebellion Rises (2018), each earning critical acclaim and further Grammy honors. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, founding the U.R.G.E. Foundation in 2007 to improve education, health, and community resources for children worldwide, particularly in Jamaica and Ethiopia.

Beyond music, Ziggy has explored acting, voice‑over work, and literary ventures, authoring children’s books and contributing to film soundtracks. His personal life reflects a blend of cultures; he is married to Orly Agai, an Israeli of Iranian‑Jewish descent, and together they have seven children. A staunch advocate for social justice, environmental causes, and peace initiatives, Ziggy Marley continues to honor his father’s legacy while forging his own path as a global cultural ambassador.