Rohan Marley, son of one of music’s great legends Bob Marley, talks to Vatsala Chhibber about his new brand of audio products, his trip to India and the Marley legacy.
In Sanskrit the name Rohan means ‘healing’. Is there any story behind why you were named Rohan?
I was named Rohan from the great West Indian cricketer Rohan Kani.
What kind of father was Bob Marley? Any incident or memory that especially stands out in your father-son relationship?
He is a loving father, cared for all of humanity. That’s what I saw with my eyes. I remember being in hope rd on a Sunday when a few boys from the street came to see our Dad, myself and Stephen was present at the time. We decided that Sunday was our day and we would not let them in hope rd. My father saw what was going on, he then called us upstairs and gave us some money told us to let them I and them all ice cream and watch them eat. We learned a lot from that experience.
Did people expect you to be musically inclined and follow the footsteps of your father?
People expected me to creative and true to myself. In that way, I follow my father’s footsteps.
You say the love of farming runs in the family; was that the starting point of Marley coffee?
My father started his life outside the city. These were farming people. It was only later that circumstances took them off that land and in a different direction. It’s part of our identity and when it came time for me to start a business, I wanted my career to reflect where the family has been as well as where it’s going.
What motivated you to start House of Marley, a brand of eco-friendly audio products?
Music is obviously a huge part of the Marley family identity. But that music is part of a larger idea. A love. Sustainability and the idea of providing a better future for the next generation is an expression of that. House of Marley works to that goal.
How was the experience of your first visit to India?
I truly love everything about India, I love the fact I can uplift my soul, energy to higher heights. I love the colors the food and mostly the people. I met some friends in India; we continue to be friends till this day and more
While there are many perks of being the legendary Bob Marley’s son, what are the challenges, if any?
Everyone’s life includes challenges. Mine were specific to my life, but I think many people could relate to those challenges. And, like everyone, those challenges help define me and have made my life fuller.
Tell us about 1Love and your other efforts towards carrying forward your father’s vision for a better world.
Active charity that requires not just money but also energy and thought is a very big part of my life. My family’s life. 1Love does a very good job of linking charities with the resources they need. It provides a platform and the Marley family is happy to help build that platform a little higher each day.
