Marley Family Pays Tribute To Jo Mersa On His 32nd Birthday
Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley’s presence was missed even more on Sunday (March 12) as several of his family members commemorated what would have been his 32nd birthday.
Jo Mersa died on December 27 , 2022, in Miami-Dade County.
Jo Mersa’s aunt, Dancehall Queen Carlene, shared footage with her little sister and the late singer’s mother Kerry-Ann. The two were at a celebration in Nine Miles, St. Ann, where both Jo Mersa and King of Reggae Bob Marley are interred.
Those present at the celebration also included: Jo Mersa’s widow and his daughter, and his uncles Damian, Julian, Ky’Mani, and Rohan Marley.
Capleton, Cham, and Spragga Benz were among those who performed.
On Instagram, his father, Stephen, led the clan in tributes by sharing a photo of them both. “Joseph…I love you my son Happy Earthstrong ❤️🙏🏾❤️” he wrote.
In one post, his brother Yohan shared a black-and-white memory of them performing together.
“I love you always and forever Blessed Earthstrong my big brother @jomersamarley #eternal,” he wrote.
Jo Mersa’s other brother Hymn shared a fond memory, as well, writing: “The Power Of The Trinity ♾️ Mersa day everyday 🙏🏾”
Skip Marley also paid tribute to his cousin with contrasting photos of members of the family as adults, and children.
“Blessed Eternal ♾️ Everlasting Strong Love you Jo @jomersamarley ❤️🦁”
Ziggy Marley made his contribution by sharing two photos; one of which showed Jo, alongside his wife Qiara and their daughter Sunshine— as well as his own wife and two of their children.
“Celebrating Joseph today. Love Everlasting❤️. JAH”
Shortly after the tragedy, police reported that at about 10 p.m. last Boxing Day, officers from the Pinecrest Police Department arrived at a shopping center’s parking lot located at 11825 South Dixie Highway, finding Marley unconscious inside his vehicle.
Paramedics at the scene later determined that he had passed away.
The Miami-Dade Police Department’s Homicide Bureau noted that no foul play was suspected.
South Florida-based WZPP Radio, who were among the first to break the news, had provided a reason for Marley’s untimely passing, speculating that it was due to asthma.
Jo Mersa is known for tracks like Burn It Down (featuring Yohan), Made It (featuring Kabaka Pyramid), Yo Dawg (featuring Busy Signal), and Rock and Swing.