ZIGGY MARLEY – Preaching Love and Creating Reggae Magic
at “Island Fest ‘07” in Coconut Grove, Florida
Ziggy and his band, featuring Santa Davis on drums and Skully on percussions, joined another Jamaican legend, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, on the line-up for a free concert held at beautiful Peacock Park in the village of Coconut Grove. Thousand of fans showed up for the music, the food, the perfect weather, and the opportunity to see the young legend perform on his home turf.
Surrounded by family and friends, Ziggy appeared comfortable, relaxed, and confident, He deftly delivered a stirring string of his own hits, including “Black Cat,” “Love is My Religion,” “Look Who’s Dancing.” and ‘Dragonfly,” as well as such Bob Marley gems as “Forever Loving Jah,” “Rastaman Vibration,” “Could This Be Love,” and ‘Jammin’.”
Cheering, clapping and dancing backstage was the entire Marley clan…Cedella ‘Mother B’ Booker, Rita Marley, brothers Stephen, Damian, Rohan, Robbie, sisters Cedella and Sharon, Ziggy’s wife, her parents, and his two youngest children, cousin Jimmy, and a legion of more Marley friends, cousins, kids and grandkids! What a joyous time! The energy and love was not lost on the “quiet” Marley as he danced and pranced on stage, flashing that million-dollar smile at his adoring fans. But when he invited brother Steve onto the stage, the crowd cheer was deafening. Steve flashed his smile and shook his locks before bringing out brother Damian, who raised the level of screams even higher. Together they gave a sizzling performance of “Traffic Jam.” Keeping in the Marley tradition, someone’s three-year-old son strolled the stage, smiling and waving a red, gold and green flag! What a t’ing! It was exciting and fun, and clearly everyone majorly enjoyed themselves!
It was an awkward moment for the shy and unassuming Ziggy when he was brought back on stage to receive a proclamation decreed from Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, which acknowledged the long-time Miami resident for “Preaching Love and Creating Reggae Magic.” He simply accepted the plaque, smiled, and exited the stage. His thank you will come in the form of his music, and we all can look ahead to decades of great songs and deeds from Ziggy Marley.