Music has more than one royal family, but none more iconic and revered than the Marley family. With a history spanning over 50 years, the Marleys have continued to deliver timeless and uplifting music as the enduring legacy of Bob Marley continues to live on. The Marley family has transcended generations and has left an indelible mark on world music. In recent years, the Marley family has shared their talents and music with Nigerian musicians to forge creative alliances, achieve commercial success and further solidify their ever-expanding legacy. This article highlights 9 notable collaborations between Nigerian musicians and the Marley family.
1. Burna Boy – Different Ft. Damian Marley & Angelique Kidjo
Released in 2020 off Burna Boy’s groundbreaking album African Giant, Different unites three musical giants: Burna Boy, Damian Marley, and Angelique Kidjo. This high-energy anthem blends vibrant rhythms with socio-conscious themes as the trio critiques the system while celebrating and encouraging individuality.
2. Wizkid – Blessed Ft. Damian Marley
Damian Marley is once again featured on another Hall of Fame Afrobeats album. This time, He joins forces with Wizkid as the duo celebrates life, family, evolution, wins, losses, pleasures,, and peace. Combining heartfelt delivery with calming melodies, the duo deliver a genuinely memorable and captivating record.
3. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Them belly full But we hungry) Ft. Rema and Skip Marley
Bob Marley’s iconic anthem ‘Them belly full’ gets a powerful reimagination that features Rema and Skip Marley. The contemporary take blends Reggae with Afrobeats elements as Rema delivers an emphatic performance that amplifies the message of personal growth, emotional release and mental health.
4. Skip Marley – Jane Ft. Ayra Starr
Skip Marley recruits Ayra Starr on ‘Jane’, a breezy reggae fusion that celebrates the comforting and stress-relieving presence of a romantic partner. With tropical rhythms, affectionate lyrics, and soaring melodies, both artists complement each other’s distinct styles perfectly.
5. Yemi Alade – Peace & Love Ft. Ziggy Marley
Yemi Alade and Ziggy Marley combine to deliver an uplifting anthem demanding unity, peace, and love in Africa. The song discusses the need for compassion in a continent often divided.
6. Seun Kuti – Dey Ft. Damian Marley
Seun Kuti and Damian Marley combine to deliver this hard-hitting collaboration that demands attention. Seun Kuti’s commanding vocals dominate the sonic atmosphere as he preaches the message of individuality, humility, and nonconformity, while Marley’s razor-sharp verses provide diversity to the record.
7. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Waiting in vain, Ft. Tiwa Savage
In this reimagined version, the themes of longing remain, while Tiwa Savage’s contemporary style and emotive vocals add a new layer of depth and vulnerability.
8. Bloody Civilian – Natural Mystic  (Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film)
Bloody Civilian puts her unique twist on Bob Marley’s beloved anthem ‘Natural Mystic’ and delivers a record that is poignant, fresh and addictive. This bold remake retains the original message while the revamped production blends Reggae, Electronic and Afropop elements revitalizing the song for a new generation.
9. Davido – Awuke ft. YG Marley
Davido joins forces with Bob Markey’s grandson, YG Marley, who is one of the breakout stars of 2024 globally. Driven by infectious log drums, this Amapiano record explodes with vibrant energy. A quintessential pop anthem that blends Afrobeat swagger with timeless charm.
