Queen of reggae Marcia Griffiths to mark 60th year in reggae with grand celebration at Hope Gardens: "I stuck with reggae because that’s my identity"
Marcia Griffiths, such a milestone (Photo: Garth Daley)
Queen of reggae Marcia Griffiths is set to mark her 60th year in Reggae with a grand celebration at the picturesque Hope Gardens on November 3rd, 2024. The event, titled “Marcia and Friends,” will be reminiscent of the one held in Florida earlier this year, featuring some of the fifty collaborations she has crafted throughout her illustrious career. The evening promises an electrifying blend of melody and rhythm, curated by the Queen of Reggae herself, with major international acts also joining the lineup for her first performance in Jamaica for 2024. Esteemed sponsors like Tastee Patties, Wisynco Group Limited, Appleton Estate, HIC, Ray Tours, and Iprint are already backing this monumental occasion.
Reflecting on her journey, Marcia shared insights into her deep connection with Reggae. "In Jamaica in my time in the decade of the sixties, we were influenced by American music in Jamaica and my inspiration was Patti Label, Aretha Franklin and those women, so I started out doing ballads. But even though I was doing those on hotel circuits and all that, I see Reggae Music as my Culture, in my island of Jamaica. Reggae Music is what we put on the map to the four corners of the earth and I love it! It chose me, so I stuck with Reggae because that’s my identity.”
Griffiths with Kabaka Pyramid, "Reggae Music is what we put on the map to the four corners of the earth" (Photo: Jamar Cleary)
Reflecting on her journey, Griffiths shared, "In the sixties, we were influenced by American music, with inspirations like Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin, so I started out with ballads. But I see Reggae Music as my Culture, Reggae Music is what we put on the map to the four corners of the earth and I love it! It chose me, so I stuck with Reggae because that’s my identity."
When reflecting on her collaborations with the legendary Bobs in Reggae, Bob Andy and Bob Marley, Marcia described the experience as "awesome and amazing." She added, "I have no doubt it's all God’s work, and He chose me for this mission. These were two of the greatest men in music on earth. There's no way I would change anything in my journey, even if I could live my life over."
Marcia Griffiths, a living legend (Photo: Garth Daley)
As she approaches this milestone celebration, Marcia hopes the event will convey the essence of her journey. "This is so important to me. I want them to see in just a small package, the journey I took and what it entails and I also want them to feel proud that they are the ones who made it possible", the legendary singer resonates. "What would it be without the people who supported me? The legacy that I want to leave with my fans who are now my family, is that I was not just here to entertain. It was much deeper for me. I recognized that this was a mission that I’m on, to teach and uplift souls through my music”.
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