Ziggy Marley

Teino Evans, Staff Reporter

The eldest son of reggae legend, Bob Marley, and his wife, Rita, Ziggy Marley, has indeed picked up where his father left off, breaking down barriers in more ways than one.

Ziggy says he has seen at least one of his father's dreams fulfilled, as he recently released his second solo album entitled, Love is My Religion (Tuff Gong Worldwide). And according to the artiste, this one is special.

"This record is the first independent record that I own fully and growing up that was a dream of my father, because record companies always take a big chunk," Ziggy says in an interview with The Sunday Gleaner.

Ziggy says he came up with the concept for the album through a conversation with a woman.

"She was Catholic and when she asked me what was my religion I said 'love is my religion' and when I said these words, there was a burning in me and I knew that was it," Ziggy says.

He says although the album was released exclusively in the United States, he thinks "it's very important to spread the idea and the concept".

"We just finish a few tours in places like Israel, Europe, South America, U.S. and next year we a go Japan, Australia, places that side."

He added, "There is a reason why we put it in those words (love is my religion); it easier for people to understand and that is the ultimate".

In addition to Ziggy's achievement of musical independence is breaking barriers by marrying a Jew.

False statements

There had been widespread rumours that Marley had either converted to Judaism or was considering it, but Ziggy says that is completely false. What is true is that he is in fact married to an Israeli.

"Yeah, my wife (Orly) is from Israel. She is a Jew."

Ziggy says at first it was difficult for members of her family to accept the relationship, but he was not about to allow religious barriers to separate him from his true love.

"For her side a the family, it was difficult but my love has no bounds and in music and life we break down barriers," Ziggy said.

Dispelling rumours that he has coverted to Judaism, Ziggy told The Sunday Gleaner that he and his spouse have reached a common understanding regarding their respective faiths and are tolerant and respectful of each other.

"I know there is something going around about me being converted to Judaism. But me no really have to change. Our philosophy a come from ancient and 'love is my religion' is like my evolution in Rastafarianism. That is the growth," Ziggy explained.

While Ziggy has been busy touring extensively around the world, for him, home is still where the heart is.

"We want to come next year (2007). I haven't been home in a while. Couple years I have not been there, so we want to come down an do couple show and help out the youths dem. Dat really deh pon me mind right yah now," Ziggy said.