Throwback: Ziggy Marley And The Melody Makers-Kozmik

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Maker’s sixth album Jahmekya was released in 1991. The family-based group of Marley with his siblings Stephen, Sharon and Cedella were Grammy winners and had a previous number one hit. Their past successes did not deter them from covering new sonic ground on Jahmekya. They incorporated electronic sounds in their production with synthesizers  and style choices from R&B, hip-hop and funk. “Kozmik” was built on a modern digital dancehall riddim but maintained traditional reggae vocals. It had funk in it too and significant dancefloor appeal. Ziggy’s lyrics about evil in the world were expressed in an upbeat space where the brisk beat was adorned with royal horns.  The comparisons to his father Bob Marley were ongoing and understandable because of their vocal similarities. The video’s psychedelic feel matched the trippiness of “Kozmik.”

Jahmekya was complimented by fans and critics for the updated sound and their willingness to take reggae music in other directions. The music was nominated for Best Reggae Album, an award Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers had won twice for their Conscious Party and One Bright Day albums. The group disbanded in 2002 after the release of their final 2000 live album. Stephen and Ziggy Marley have had successful solo careers having released 12 combined albums. Sharon Marley is the curator of the Bob Marley Museum.  Cedella Marley is the director of the Bob Marley Foundation. Ziggy released his Family Time album in 2020 and performed for the Bob Marley 75th Celebration.