Marley Group Celebrates Rita Marley with ‘Love Iyah 78’ Birthday Festivities on Tuff Gong TV
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Kingston, Jamaica – July 24, 2024: The Bob Marley Group of Companies is gearing up for an extraordinary celebration themed ‘Love Iyah ’78’ in honour of Dr. Alferita “Rita” Marley, OJ, OD, LITT – the esteemed ‘First Lady of Reggae’, co-founder of Tuff Gong International and global humanitarian. This year’s birthday activities promise to be spectacular — culminating in a star-studded concert, produced by Tuff Gong and recorded at their historic studio in Kingston. The event will be livestreamed on Tuff Gong TV’s YouTube channel on July 25 at 5:00pm Eastern / 4:00pm Jamaica time.
SiriusXM subscribers were treated to an exclusive preview of the Love Iyah ’78 concert recording. But on Rita Marley‘s birthday, Thursday, July 25, the world is invited to view the concert in full. The show boasts an impressive line-up of artistes spanning the spectrum of Jamaican music, including dancehall, roots reggae, and lovers’ rock, with performances by: Admiral Tibet, Warrior King, Tifa, Sharon Marley, Big Youth, Jaz Elise, and Grub Cooper (formerly of Fab 5), with MC: Collin Hines.
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PICTURED: Rita Marley
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“We are honoured to celebrate my mother, mentor, and best friend. As a proud Black Jamaican entrepreneur, she has broken so many barriers and built a lasting legacy,” shares Cedella Marley, the firstborn child of Bob and Rita Marley and CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies. “Her strength, wisdom, kindness, and love have inspired us all and she continues to be our guiding light.”
Hosted by the dynamic Emprezz, this year’s celebration will shine a spotlight on Dr. Marley‘s remarkable journey. Highlights will include readings from her book “No Woman No Cry: My Life with Bob Marley” by the esteemed broadcaster Dahlia Harris. Additionally, exclusive scenes from the “Bob Marley: One Love” movie will provide viewers greater insight into Nana Rita’s life.
Born on July 25, 1946, Mrs. Rita Marley, has dedicated her life to philanthropy and advocacy, using her influence to champion numerous global causes. The Marley Group’s “Love Iyah ’78” celebration aims to inspire viewers to tap into their own philanthropic spirit and join the Foundation in supporting initiatives such as the Hurricane Beryl Relief efforts in partnership with Food for the Poor, giving back to those affected by the devastating impact of the hurricane.
Dr. Marley has championed initiatives that empower marginalised communities and promote education. For 2024, the Rita Marley scholarship is valued at $4 million and aims to support 10 women in completing their tertiary education. To apply visit RitaMarleyFoundation.org. Application Deadline: July 31, 2024.
Nana Rita‘s tireless work through the Rita Marley Foundation has not just provided educational grants and disaster relief efforts, but also supports ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access. Through bi-annual health fairs over the past 25 years, the Marley for Health Initiative continues to provide essential services for FREE such as: dental care, eye exams, ear screenings, STD testing, and mobile pharmacy services to over 20,000 people across various under-served communities.
This year, Bob & Rita Marley Foundation joined the mission of the Ministry of Health’s Adopt-A-Clinic initiative. Through a $3 million donation to the Bull Bay Health Centre, the foundation aims to help with providing access to adequate essential medical services. The Marley matriarch’s unwavering commitment to uplifting others has truly solidified her legacy as a global humanitarian and an inspiration to many.
The Marley family invites the world to join them on Tuff Gong TV this Thursday, July 25, 5pm ET / 4pm JA time for an extraordinary celebration of the life and work of an icon. This event is more than a musical tribute, it offers the opportunity for viewers and listeners to be part of Dr. Rita Marley‘s enduring mission to empower youth, uplift disadvantaged communities, and combat financial hardship, illness, and poor health. Don’t miss this inspiring opportunity to make a difference and honor a true humanitarian.
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Rita Marley
Internationally, the name Marley is synonymous with reggae music and the culture of Jamaica. It is no coincidence that the talented young Rita Anderson was destined to become a cornerstone of the musical Marley family. Bob Marley is the King of Reggae, and his wife, The Honorable Dr. Alferita Marley O.J, O.D, LITT, (affectionately called ‘Rita’) provided him with vocal support as a member of the I-Threes. Rita Marley also forged a career in her own right as a solo artist. Her catalog of hits includes One Draw, Harambe, Lion & the Lamb, Good Girls Culture, and Just One More Morning.
As the matriarch of the Marley family, Dr. Marley wears many hats and has been instrumental in the initiation and completion of great works internationally, regionally, and locally. In 1986, she had the vision and wisdom to transform Bob Marley’s house at 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica into the Bob Marley Museum. Dr. Marley’s purchase of the former Federal Records at 220 Marcus Garvey Drive and subsequent relocation of Tuff Gong International to this new address set the stage for Tuff Gong to become a leader in the recording, manufacturing, and distribution of music in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the world. She is the Founder and Chairperson of the Bob Marley Foundation, Bob Marley Museum, Tuff Gong International, and the Rita Marley Foundation. Dr. Marley continues to honor her commitment to the works of her husband, her children, and her people by fulfilling her mission to enlighten, educate and entertain through her philanthropy and music.
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About the Rita Marley Foundation
The Rita Marley Foundation is dedicated to the upliftment of people worldwide through various initiatives in education, health, and community development. Inspired by the life and work of Rita Marley, the foundation continues to impact lives positively, embodying her spirit of love and philanthropy. Join us in celebrating the 78th birthday of Rita Marley, an icon whose influence and contributions to music and humanity continue to inspire generations.
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