Young reggae stars pay tribute to Bob Marley

Rising Jamaican artistes Royal Blu and Akina Eman paid tribute to the legendary Bob Marley on what would have been his 80th birthday with a soul-stirring performance on Season 5 of the Harry J Live Couch Series. This special tribute, a collaboration between Harry J Studio and BBC 1Xtra, was made possible by renowned broadcaster David Rodigan and Tara Johnson, managing director of Harry J Studio, honouring Marley’s enduring legacy through the voices of a new generation.

Recorded in the same room where Bob Marley and The Wailers created history, the performance saw Royal Blu and Akina Eman reimagining tracks from Marley’s iconic Catch a Fire album, which was also originally recorded at Harry J Studio. The special moment was also highlighted in David Rodigan’s two-hour tribute to Bob Marley on his BBC 1Xtra radio programme, where he introduced the two artistes as “brand new voices breathing fresh life into timeless classics”.

Johnson, creator of the Harry J Live Couch Series, expressed how meaningful the tribute was for the show and the studio:

“It’s always an incredible feeling to witness talented artistes step into Harry J Studio – the same space where Bob Marley and The Wailers recorded some of their most influential songs. To have Royal Blu and Akina Eman bring their artistry to celebrate Bob’s 80th birthday on our platform is a full-circle moment, and a reminder of how his music continues to inspire new generations.”

The Harry J Live Couch Series continues to be a dynamic platform showcasing emerging and established talent, keeping the spirit of Jamaica’s rich musical heritage alive. The full episode of this special feature can be viewed on the BBC1Xtra website as well as the Harry J Studio YouTube page.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com