Three of the most powerful and influential men in reggae are getting ready to perform in Liverpool for the first time.
Damian, Stephen and Julian Marley – sons of reggae legend Bob Marley – are set to bring the Jamaican sunshine to Sefton Park on Sunday 25 August, as the latest big names to become part of the inaugural Liverpool International Music Festival.
They will take to the stage as part of The Ghetto Youths International Crew, which will see performances from the Marley brothers along with:
Jo Mersa – the eldest son of Stephen who is making a name for himself in the industry with his unique style and identity
Black Am I – a fresh young voice on the reggae scene who is winning fans worldwide
Christopher Ellis – who sees his fledgling singing career as extending the legacy of his father, who was legendary Jamaican vocalist Alton Ellis
Wayne Marshall – a singer, songwriter and producer who is best known as a dancehall performer, but whose outstanding talent means he can embrace all forms of music with explosive results
The Ghetto Youths International Crew will be special guests of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Robbo Ranx who will be showing off his award winning DJing skills.
Robbo said: “I’m proud to be part of the first Liverpool International Music Festival and we are coming to showcase dancehall and reggae like never before.
“As well as myself we have an incredible line up of music which represents Jamaica and we want everyone to come out and party with us.”
All the acts will perform on the World Music Stage which, from 12 to 8pm, will also star international artists such as Machel Montano, Navin Kundra and Portico Quartet.
LIMF music curator, Yaw Owusu, said: “When I first started programming this festival back in February, a performance from a Marley brother was on my wish-list for the World Music Stage. So to say I’m over the moon about getting not one but three of the leading reggae stars would be an understatement!
“It’s a real coup, particularly as they have never before played in the city, and to entice them here as part of the new festival just goes to show that artists are keen to be involved in this inaugural musical extravaganza.
“What I love about this festival is its diversity – from pop to dance, Merseybeat to rock – we really are catering for an eclectic mix of musical tastes.
“With less than two weeks to go until it all kicks off, the excitement is definitely building and I think we can guarantee this August bank holiday is going to be one music lovers will never forget.”
During bank holiday weekend from 23 to 26 August, acts will take to a new stage in Sefton Park including internationally acclaimed Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and chief conductor Vasily Petrenko, Soul II Soul, Rebecca Ferguson, Ghetto Youths International Crew (featuring Damian, Stephen and Julian Marley) and The Christians as well as some of the leading stars from the world of reggae, jazz, folk and African. Throughout the weekend there will be food stalls, a children’s fairground and other family activities
