11 years in the past World A Reggae sat down for the final time with Black Am I. Now we received to likelihood to talk to the artist once more. Because the opening act for Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, Black Am I has toured the world. He has seen probably the most cosmopolitan and unique international locations, however when these treks are over, he heads house to 9 Mile, a country neighborhood in St. Ann, Jamaica.
9 Mile is the birthplace of Bob Marley, Junior Gong’s father, and Jamaica’s most well-known citizen. The reggae king died in Could 1981 from most cancers at age 36.
Black Am I stated his household have lived in 9 Mile for the reason that late 1800s. Like his grandfather and father, he was born within the farming neighborhood the place Marley and his mom Cedella are buried in a mausoleum.
“9 Mile is a close-knit neighborhood, so after all I had the privilege of assembly a number of his family. I grew up with a few of his cousins; he had uncles, aunts, sister, brother, dat was round in some unspecified time in the future,” he reminisced.
Bob Marley’s eightieth ‘Earthstrong’ was celebrated on February 6. His 80-mile journey from 9 Mile to stay together with his mom in Trench City, a sprawling ghetto in Kingston, has been documented in quite a few books and documentaries in addition to Bob Marley: One Love, the 2024 film based mostly on his life.
Black Am I, who began his profession as I-Nesta, first met Junior Gong 25 years in the past when the Grammy winner was visiting 9 Mile. An impromptu efficiency by the budding artiste didn’t impress Junior Gong, however he noticed sufficient potential to ultimately file him and take him on tour.
In all his travels, he has witnessed euphoric reactions to the Marley legend.
“They embrace him for his contribution, ‘trigger he has at all times been on the forefront relating to justice an’ equality. As an illustration, Africans inform yuh dat his phrases stored dem robust after they needed to combat…South Africa, Congo, Kenya, to call just a few. I’ve by no means travelled anyplace an’ not seen his face in some unspecified time in the future,” stated Black Am I.
Junior Gong produced Residing Dread, Black Am I’s 2019 debut EP, which was distributed by Ghetto Youths Worldwide, the Marley household’s label.
By Howard Campbell