Ky-Mani Marley at the 20th Przystanek Woodstock: the “Tribute to Bob Marley” programme

The XXth anniversary Przystanek Woodstock already promises to be incredible. On 1 August 2014, Ky-Mani Marley will appear at the Most Beautiful Festival in the World with the special Tribute to Bob Marley project. The concert will guide Polish audiences through his father's work, the legacy of a reggae legend.

“Adventurous Traveller”, the precise meaning of his East African name, has taken listeners on extraordinary journeys since “Like Father Like Son”, featuring covers of his famous father. Asked why he called the first album of his own productions “The Journey”, he replies: “I hope my music takes people to many different places. Creating it was a journey for me too.” These words effectively summarise Ky-Mani’s entire output, defying every attempt to pigeonhole it.

At first, Ky-Mani had no intention of becoming a musician. As he admits, sport had always been his great love. His mother encouraged his first piano and guitar lessons, followed by trumpet in the school band. “I really liked music, but I didn’t think it could give me a good future. Even then it meant something important to me, but I didn’t realise that until it became obvious,” he explains in an interview. Anita Belvanis, a former Jamaican table tennis champion, played a significant role in her growing son’s development. Sport was part of everyday life at home, both in Jamaica and later in Miami, where Ky-Mani moved with her at the age of 9.

As a teenager, Ky-Mani decides to try singing, prompted by an invitation to take part in a recording session in Miami. Accepting becomes a turning point in his life, setting him on an artistic path. The artistic legacy of his father, reggae king Bob Marley, undoubtedly also encourages him to become a vocalist. Ky-Mani admits: “It is difficult. Everyone expects something from me, but I do not really feel pressure, because I honestly do exactly what I want.” Before long, young Marley begins recording songs, experimenting and creating with his brothers.

Soon afterwards, he signs with Shang Records And Managment, founded by dancehall pioneer Clifton “Specialist” Dillon, who introduced the music internationally. Ky-Mani records several singles, beginning with “Judge Not”, featuring Patra. “Dear Dad”, “Who The Cap Fit” and “Sensimillia” follow, helping build his international reggae reputation. In 1997, he joins forces with The Fugees’ Praswell on Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue”.

His popularity rose sharply after his appearance at Midem, the international music show held in Miami for the first time in its history. Ky-Mani gave an incredibly energetic performance before a packed Cameo Theatre, watched by viewers in 36 countries. Marley quickly became one of the most sought-after musicians on the international music scene.

Ky-Mani also works with P.M. Dawn and Gee Street/V2 Records, helping consolidate his position. His 2001 album “Many More Roads” earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Reggae Album”. Marley appears in several films, the best known being 2003's “One Love”.

Ky-Mani Marley brings together many musical styles, and every new album is a surprise. From “Like Father Like Son” to 2007’s “The Radio”, he presents an original singing style while continuing the ideas championed by his father: “My message always goes hand in hand with love and unity. They are what matter most, and if people can feel that when listening to my songs, it means I have done everything the way I should.”

Ky-Mani continues touring, visiting the world’s leading music festivals, while working on a new album, “New Heights”, scheduled for release in 2014.