Ky-mani Marley, a star in his own right, is nearing the completion of his third untitled album. Born on February 26, 1976, in Falmouth, Jamaica, to legendary musician Robert Nesta Marley and Jamaican table tennis champion Anita Belnavis, Ky-mani is an East African term meaning adventurous traveler, a name that accurately reflects his life's journey.
As a man living up to his name, each album or travel is an adventure for Ky-mani. His musical voyage began in 1999 with The Journey, an eclectic exploration of his many talents, followed by Many More Roads in 2001, a Grammy-nominated "traditional" reggae album that showcased a more mature Ky-mani. The Journey and Many More Roads received widespread acclaim, solidifying Ky-mani as an independent artist.
Ky-mani's sound is a unique blend of roots reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and contemporary jazz, setting him apart from other artists. In addition to his musical achievements, Ky-mani is an accomplished actor, having starred in films such as Shottas and One Love.
Shottas, released in 2001, is a captivating story of two young men from Jamaica struggling to reach their dreams through living life in the "fast lane." Although the film did not receive a theatrical release, its video/DVD circulation has generated significant buzz.
In 2002, Ky-mani starred as Kassa in One Love, a compelling love story of a conscious reggae musician dealing with the corruptions of the industry, whose world is turned upside down when he meets a church girl with an angelic voice. The film has received critical acclaim and is yet to be released in theaters.
Ky-mani has recently completed the feature film Haven, starring Bill Paxton and Orlando Bloom, directed by Frank Flowers. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is set to be released soon. Additionally, Ky-mani is set to reprise his lead role in Shottas II, which is scheduled to begin production in 2004.
Despite losing his father at a young age, Ky-mani's voice and message remain a powerful reflection of the past reggae explosion, emphasizing the importance of "one love, one aim, one destiny."
