Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley — NPR Tiny Desk, 2019

Released on September 16, 2019, this Tiny Desk Concert filmed at NPR’s Washington office features Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Bob Marley’s youngest son and one of the leading voices of contemporary reggae. Backed by his band, he performs three songs — “Slave Mill,” “So a Child May Follow” and “Speak Life” — from his Grammy-winning album “Stony Hill” (2017). Far from big productions, this acoustic reading foregrounds guitar and piano, casting fresh light on a socially engaged reggae that stands squarely within the family legacy. “So a Child May Follow” addresses the trials facing young people and the need to persevere; “Speak Life” sums up a philosophy of dignity and love. In the intimate Tiny Desk space, Damian Marley reconciles the memory of an immense surname with the assertion of a personal voice. This multi-song live capture is a rare document on singer-songwriter reggae of the 2010s. A filmed live concert absolutely worth discovering, and a reminder of reggae’s living lineage.