B3 Parenting Magazine Summer 2017

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Beyond

Rasta Love

Story by Michelle Gordon

Photography: Dwayne Watkins Styling: Norma Williams Makeup: Danilo Cifuentes Hairstyling: Ashley Elbeck Shot on location in Beverley Hills, California

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When Ziggy Marley won his eighth Grammy Award in February 2017, 12-year old Judah Marley already had a foregone conclusion in her mind. “I knew Daddy would definitely win again,” she smiles proudly, as if she’s speaking of her latest science project and not of her musician father. “Daddy’s music is pretty cool and so is he.” She shrugs casually. “Yeah, I knew he’d win!” When a pre-teen thinks that a parent is pretty cool, that’s a pretty big deal.

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is the oldest of Ziggy’s four children with his wife Orly. She stands on the brink of becoming a teenager, and is already a little lady with the poise and style of someone far older than her 12 years. Her attentiveness to her baby brother Isaiah was the first thing I noticed about her. For that matter, Judah, Gideon and Abraham – all three of them dote on their baby brother Isaiah. Less than an hour into our meeting, I had to pause to ask Ziggy and Orly to tell me their secret! I had heard no cries, no arguing – nothing. There was no sign of sibling rivalry and that is no small feat with 4 children.

Having interviewed Ziggy Marley once before, I looked forward to meeting with him 5 years on to see the changes. Well there’s a new baby for starters, 2 more Grammys, an Emmy and 5 more years of being the indomitable Ziggy. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, very little introduction is needed for this son of Jamaica’s soil and one of the country’s best-known exports. He’s a global musical sensation, an entrepreneurial powerhouse, a loving husband and a very involved and dedicated

.Judah

father. Oh, and he’s Bob Marley’s eldest son.

I asked him an obvious and expected question; was he tired of being acknowledged as Bob Marley’s son? Is he bothered by the constant comparison? “Naww man,” he answers through a laugh, “How can I be tired of who and what I am? It don’t bodder me at all. People will always compare us because most of them never know Daddy, they only knew him in pictures. I knew my father well and it’s an honour to be compared to him.” This is Ziggy; unfiltered, no ‘twang’ and as authentic as they come. I got my first glimpse into a relationship that many people have tried to understand. Bob Marley the father, set a foundation for his own children, his children’s children and other generations to come.

“ I KNEW MY

FATHER WELL

AND IT’S AN HONOUR TO BE COMPARED TO HIM.

”

Ziggy recalls one of his fondest memories of his father during a 1980 trip to Zimbabwe, when he and his brother Stephen travelled to the African state to celebrate that country’s independence. It’s a memory that stands out in his mind, because he knew how important that trip was to his father and he was right there by his Daddy’s side. That memory laid part of the foundation from which he raises his own children. Today, Ziggy speaks proudly of lessons he learned from his father that he applies today. That’s what it’s all about, right? Parents teaching and equipping their children to function and thrive independently.

Like many forward-thinking parents today, we agreed that how we parent our kids today is the sole most important factor in how they grow up and ultimately, how they too will parent their children

in the future. And Ziggy is clear on the importance of his role as father. “How I saw my father and mother live is the basis of how I parent - discipline, respect, focus & hardwork.”

Orly and Ziggy make a good team. Clearly still in love after many years together, Ziggy shares quietly that he knew she was ‘the one’ the first time he laid eyes on her. Quietly because Orly he says, ‘gets all shy’ when he talks about it. Who knew this Rastaman was such a romantic? “Yeah man,” he continued, “I knew right away. And when you know, you just know.” The couple giggle and laugh together like young lovers, and I can tell it’s not staged. Judah and Gideon roll their eyes with the embarrassed annoyance not uncommon with children seeing their parents showing affection. This is not new to them; their parents love each other, and they know it.

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go to school and learn plenty things, but we parents are their greatest teachers.” We speak about topics that many fathers

“They

are uncomfortable discussing – their daughter’s dating. Judah is only 12, so there’s still time, and if it’s up to Ziggy, there’ll be lots of time! “Naww man,” the laughter begins. “Judah can date when shi bout 20.” In the meantime, it is a priority of both parents to teach her how to be wise. Ziggy and Orly take a hands-on approach to parenting because ‘times are different’. “We are building relationships with each of our kids to ensure that they trust coming to us as parents – they have to feel comfortable. We let them win some of the battles so it’s not always seen that mummy and daddy are ‘no’ people.”

Ziggy offers praise to Orly when he speaks about the importance of raising Judah to be a strong and wise woman. “I couldn’t want a better role model for my daughter. Orly is di real deal! The woman side of the

parenting equation is crucial. Woman is key. If yuh have a good woman in yuh life, life better and easier.” Ziggy’s pride in his wife as the mother she is to his children, is

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“ HOW WE

RAISE THE KIDS IS VERY

SIMPLE. THEY ARE RAISED TO KNOW AND SHOW LOVE.

”

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mirrored by the respect and admiration he expresses for his own mother, who he describes as a ‘strong woman who raised her children the right way’, with discipline, respect, friendship and love. That was the way of the Marley household then, with Bob and Rita at its helm, and the same remains today, as Ziggy and Orly chart a modern course for their four children and instill togetherness. They are brothers and sisters – united by blood, in love.

The fact that their home is a mecca of diversity with multicultural and ethnic differences, serves as an ideal foundation for Ziggy’s mantra of love being their religion. “How we raise the kids is very simple. They are raised to know and show love. This really has nothing to do with Rasta or Judaism or anything other than love. Our children are no respecters of colour, class or creed.”

Ziggy’s marriage to a Hebrew woman raised more than a few eyebrows when the pair wed years ago. But as they raise their children to be resolute in the face of public opinion, so too were they, as many had much to say. Yes, there are bi-cultural influences, but the young Marleys are learning balance. They visit Jamaica and are connected to the island through music and the tenets of Rastafari. They celebrate Jewish holidays, Shabbat dinners and they study Hebrew and the history of Israel. “All of that is fine, but I promise you, in any culture or religion, there is no doctrine better than love.”

I sit with Judah and Gideon and we chat casually for a bit; they’re the two older children. Abraham, the third child, has enough energy for all of us and is not the least bit interested in anything other than running around, for now. Baby Isaiah is just up from his afternoon nap, and his big sister reaches for him with the care and attentiveness of a grown up. Gideon impresses me on the piano. I really shouldn’t be impressed though – he is a Marley, but he is only 10 years old. He’s playing a rendition of a vaguely familiar pop song and only glances at his father when he is unsure of the chord he has just played. Gideon likes rock music and though I really wanted to hear him sing, that wasn’t happening. I enjoy a rare moment as I peek into the life of father and son, demonstrating the diligence and patience needed to teach and guide. I look at the two and see the weight of a father’s

success shadowing over his son and the spark of a child’s creative uniqueness come to life.

Judah plays the guitar. Her playlist

may potentially have one or two of her father’s song, but for the most part, she’s rocking to Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and the Beatles. She’s ‘old school’, and though she appreciates all the hip stuff, she really has a genuine love for music.

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Ziggy is proud to be an example

to his children. “They are why I do what I do. They see me dream, create, practice and work hard. It is important that my kids know and appreciate the satisfaction that comes with working and making a contribution, knowing that you are doing something with your life.”

Ziggy’s work ethic sets the bar pretty high for his children. He continues to share his music with sold out tours across the U.S. and the U.K. - currently with his Grammywinning 2016 self-titled album and Exodus 40 – a ‘restatement’ release of his father’s original classic album Exodus, from 40 years ago. Bob would be proud for sure. Today his eldest son stands at the helm of Tuff Gong Worldwide and Ishti Music Publishing: his

own record label and publishing companies respectively. He is living his dream while simultaneously realizing his father’s ultimate vision. Ziggy is also a celebrated author of a children’s storybook I Love You Too and he has most recently released the

Ziggy Marley &Family Cookbook. The Marley Legacy is a powerful one, but Ziggy dispels any misconceptions about resting on the laurels of his father’s success. “Work is not something that I’m afraid of. Money is simply money and money doesn’t last

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I WANT MY CHILDREN TO BE

GOOD HUMAN

BEINGS; STRONG INDEPENDENT- MINDED, VIRTUOUS PEOPLE, WITH CONSCIENCE AND EMPATHY.

forever. My children will know that work is not only about money, but also about independence, expression and freedom. That’s very important to me.”

When Ziggy is not hard at work on the road or in studio, he’s at home doing what he loves most – spending time with his family. He’s there with them, doing everything and nothing at the same time – kicking ball, cooking or playing music. For this Daddy, the values and morals he wishes for his kids are easy for them to pattern off him because they see these same qualities in him. The children see their father’s lifestyle and it’s an exemplary one. Ziggy runs a couple of miles three to four days each week; he’s a healthy eater and avid reader. But what does he want for his children? “Simple. I want my children to be good human beings; strong independentminded, virtuous people, with conscience and empathy. Everything else will come after that. They can do anything they want in life. I want them to follow their own instinct, be true to themselves and authentic in dealing with people.” That’s not too much for a father to want of his children – honesty and authenticity.

I was curious though, to know how this father would broach the

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ZIGGY’S PRIDE

IN HIS WIFE

AS THE MOTHER SHE IS TO HIS CHILDREN, IS MIRRORED BY THE RESPECT AND ADMIRATION HEEXPRESSES FOR HIS OWN MOTHER

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subject of smoking in an era where kids are exposed to so much more than in previous years, and in an environment where marijuana use is now legal for recreational purposes. “Firstly, I don’t do things because people want me to or expect me to, and this is something that my kids [will] understand. That’s what peer pressure is. I don’t drink and I don’t have a habit of smoking. But my children are informed about the plant because there is so much negativity surrounding it, so they know about the plant from an herbal and medicinal standpoint. But I have never smoked in front of, or in the presence of my children.”

When Ziggy speaks about his children, he does so with fixity of purpose. I’m inclined to believe that he is the ‘strict’ one. But Abraham comes in to romp and his father obliges while

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“

I WANT THEM TO

FOLLOW THEIR OWN

INSTINCT, BE TRUE TO THEMSELVES AND AUTHENTIC IN DEALING WITH PEOPLE. ”

never missing a beat in our conversation. Abraham seems more than comfortable being upside down, and when his feet get too close to Isaiah who is in-arm, Ziggy casually shifts his position and continues speaking. He admits to loving video games and lists Battlefield and FIFA17 as his favourites. His brilliant smile lights up his face as he unknowingly reveals the inner child that his children adore.

Before long, the boys are on the

piano again, and their dad joins them to tickle the ivories. Ziggy melts with them around. These moments are special for him and yes; his inspiration comes from many like exchanges with his own father. “I remember having plenty fun with Daddy (Bob) and I want my kids to have fun with me too. That’s the legacy I want to leave; kids who know love, live love and are love.”

Wardrobe: Ziggy Marley - Carlton Brown (Jamaica), Mark Anthony Designs (Jamaica), Kokobeenz (Jamaica), Anthony Reid for Meiling (Trinidad) Orly Marley - Dior (Los Angeles), Keneea Linton Boutique (Jamaica), Kokobeenz (Jamaica), Mahambeth (Jamaica) Marley Children - Appaman (Los Angeles), Footwear – Native Kids (NYC), Imoga Collection (NYC), Infantium Victoria (Germany), Knock-About-Ja (Jamaica), Kokobeenz (Jamaica), Monkey Tree (Jamaica), N'light'N Children (Jamaica), Nununu (Los Angeles), Prince Street Brooklyn (NYC), Sugarcane Baby (Los Angeles)

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