Soul-Rebel Marley: Keeping the Light Alive Through Faith, Family, and Music
“Holy Father” feels like both a prayer and a proclamation — a journey through faith, family, and creative evolution.
What inspired you to create this track, and how did you envision blending the spiritual and the sonic in such a powerful way?
I made the riddim and was vibing to it. I was really alone at the time thinking about my life about where I am and where I want to go, and the hook just came to me
'Holy Father I pray to you, give thanks to you, for love is true.. Holy Father I pray to you give thanks to you for all you do".
From there I felt the energy and the spirit in the riddim, the words and the melodies. So the inspiration behind it is really giving thanks for life, giving thanks to the most high knowing that any obstacle in your life can be conquered.
The video takes us to the sacred rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia, and features your brothers Skip and Saiyan, as well as Father Amde Hamilton. Can you tell us what that setting and those collaborations meant to you — especially having Fr. Amde, who spoke at your grandfather’s funeral, involved in this new chapter of your story?
It was an amazing experience shooting the video, big up to Martyn Watts the director. The first time I went to Africa was in 2005 for a birthday celebration for my grandfather in Ethiopia. That was my first real experience on the ground, being around the people, and embracing the culture. I've always wanted to shoot a video showing the beauty of the country and this was a great opportunity.
Your debut “Loving Jah” paid tribute to your grandfather’s “Forever Loving Jah,” while “Holy Father” expands the sound toward Afrobeat influences. How do you see these two songs reflecting your journey from honoring your roots to defining your own musical identity?
They reflect both sides of my spirit in music, Soul and Rebel. The rebellious spirit in loving jah and the soulful spirit in holy father. Reggae music is my roots and from that I’m able to build my foundation and grow. Sonically you can hear that in the bass line for loving jah and the way i’m singing in holy father.
You’re not only the artist but also the producer behind your music, through Tek Time Productions in partnership with Tuff Gong International. How does being hands-on with production shape your creative process and the way you bring your vision to life?
It’s a blessing to be able to do both. Sometimes I’ll record a voice note of a melody or an idea I have bring it into logic pro and build the riddim around tha idea and vice versa. Then seeing people at the live shows enjoying the music it’s really a blessing.
There’s a clear thread of spirituality, gratitude, and purpose running through your early work. As you look ahead, what message or feeling do you hope listeners take from your growing catalog — and from this new era of the Marley legacy you’re helping shape?
My music has many different messages but one message I have is always keep the light you have even at your darkest times. The essence of us as people is light and I want that light to shine bright in everyone like a fire burnin… keep your hope, stand in love, and everything will be alright.
