This Sunday (July 25) marks the 75th “earthstrong” of Dr Rita Marley, family matriarch of the emblematic reggae empire left by her husband Robert and his extended heirs. 

In honour of this milestone, the Marley Group of companies invites the global public to join them in celebrating the living achievements of the woman whose resilience, strength and vision helped to build Tuff Gong International, establish the Bob Marley Museum, rear a musical dynasty (spanning three generations and counting), and much more.

The Mystic of a Queen activities are being staged under the guidance and direction of Cedella Marley (the firstborn child of Bob and Rita Marley and current head of the Marley Group).

“My mom is my best friend, my inspiration, and, regardless of my title, she is very much still the boss,” Cedella disclosed.

“The Bob Marley legacy that the world knows today is due in no small part to the work of Mrs Marley. If We Must Carry On was a person, it would be Rita Marley.  We are blessed to be able to honour her,” she added.

This scope of this week’s events mirrors the scope of Rita Marley’s contributions and influence as an entrepreneur, entertainer, and humanitarian.

The various entities she helms in Jamaica, Ghana, and the United States serve as stages for a series of celebrations, exhibitions, panel discussions, musical entertainment, and the announcement of the new Rita Marley scholarship programme.

The Marley family’s latest venture, Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio, will present special programming and newly recorded music during the birthday weekend.

Performers and participants featured during the week of festivities include Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Queen Ifrica, Tessanne Chin, Tanya Stephens, Nadine Sutherland, Ernie Smith, DJ Sunshine, Mitzie Williams, Odessa Chambers, Carolyn Cooper, Tova Hamilton, Coleen Douglas, and the Jamaica Youth Chorale.

The grand finale is a livestream that airs Sunday, July 25 (Marley’s 75th birthday) on Tuff Gong International’s official YouTube channel, Tuff Gong Television.

Beginning at 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST), viewers can tune in to enjoy a behind the scenes peek at the Bob Marley Museum’s new Rita Marley Exhibition (curated by Berette McCauley), a mini-documentary, new music videos, an exclusive airing of the Rita Marley: Mystic of a Queen Concert, and the premiere of the digitally remastered Africa Unite Concert; all interspersed with greetings and well wishes from friends and family.