Music Scene
Damian Marley's message remains the same

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Staff Writer

Singer Damian Marley, a son of the late Bob Marley, is dedicated to change, socially and musically. His new CD contains songs that carry messages that are political, introspective and inspiring. Kwaku Alston Damian Marley With Julian Marley, Stephen Marley, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Yami Bolo and Daddigan 7 p.m. today Waikiki Shell $30 reserved pool seats; $25 reserved first and second terrace seats; $20 in advance ($25 at the gate) general admission lawn seats 526-4400, 591-2211 Also: 7 p.m. Saturday, Edith Kanaka'ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, Hilo 6 p.m. Sunday, Maui Arts & Cultural Center Amphitheater, Kahului

When the terrorists struck last month, Marley already had begun rehearsals for a four-week tour that hits Hawai'i this weekend and knew his cause, and music, were just.

"We don't need to change," he said in a soft, thoughtful voice. "Our music is our means of communication and a powerful force. It's a vehicle of righteousness that has helped improve things along the way."

Marley is dedicated to change, socially and musically.

His new Motown CD, "Halfway Tree," infuses the traditional reggae beat with hip-hop, rock and soul rhythms, a strong bass beat as well as the occasional flute. It also incorporates spoken-word introductions and dramatic vignettes between songs to create a conceptual cohesiveness.

The lyrics are political, introspective and inspiring, attacking old reggae issues such as reparations, casual sex, police brutality and education in new ways. Songs like "More Justice," "It Was Written" (featuring his brother Stephen Marley) and "Where is the Love" deal with the problems straight up.

"Anything is possible," he said in a telephone interview from Phoenix. "When Rasta just started to emerge, it was like an outcast. Now it's part of the society and a medicine for the people."

Marley, nicknamed "Junior Gong," was only 2 years old when his famous father, Bob Marley, died. But like so many others around the world, he was deeply affected by the legacy the senior Marley left behind.

Damian started singing professionally as a child with the Shepherds, a group made up of several other well-known reggae artists' children. For a while, he turned to deejaying, Jamaican style. At 14, he released his debut single "Deejay Degree" and quickly followed that with a string of hits, including several that have been No. 1 on the Hawai'i charts.

It's not just the musical talent that he got from his father; it's also the commitment to social justice. While still in high school, he released his first album "Mr. Marley" (produced by brother Stephen) and was featured on a compilation called "Positively Reggae," with all proceeds going to a Jamaica foundation that helps children who are HIV-positive. Still a teenager, he toured with the Shabba Ranks World Unity tour and performed with his brother Julian at Jamaica's Reggae Sunfest and Sunsplash festival, eye-opening experiences that have allowed him to grow spiritually and intellectually.

Today he's 23 and wise beyond words, seeing himself as a link between disparate worlds, rich and poor, a representative of ghetto youth all over the globe. Part of that comes from embracing the extremes of his parentage. Hence the name of his new album; Halfway Tree is an actual place in Kingston town that marks the dividing line between the wealthy and impoverished neighborhoods.

"My father is from the country and the ghetto, and my mother (Jamaica's 1977 Miss World, Cindy Breakspeare) is from uptown, so I come like a halfway tree, like a bridge because I can relate to both sides," he said.

That spirit has helped him grow out of his father's footsteps and into his own distinctive style.

"You find the style of music of the times," he said. "If my father was making albums right now, he wouldn't be doing the same groove; he'd be growing musically all the time."

Still, the family roots go very deep. Among the songs on his new album are two covers of Bob Marley classics. In "Catch a Fire" Stephen Marley duplicates Bob's original vocals, while Damian chants a critique on guns, drugs and other kinds of mental slavery. "And Be Loved" is a take-off on Bob's original "Could You Be Loved" with samples from the 1979 original blended with Damian's rap-style deejaying.

"One thing isn't changed," he said. "We've got to keep raising the love consciousness on Earth. We're all one and have got to live together. We've got to keep singing about love, togetherness. We've always got to keep on in that direction."