Rita Marley - Jamaican Hall of Fame (Jamaica)

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Rita Marley - Jamaican Hall of Fame

Published Jul 23, 2012
Rita Marley-2

Rita Marley, the widow of deceased Reggae Artist Robert Nesta Marley was born Alpharita Constantia Anderson in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba on July 25, 1946. She was raised in Kingston, Jamaica by her aunt who lived on Greenwich Park Road. While living with her aunt she studied Practical Nursing, however, her career as a Nurse was soon delayed due to the fact that she wanted to start a family. She is also known as "The Queen of Reggae" and is an accomplished Singer in her own right. A member of the group the "I Threes", former back-up singer for Bob Marley Peter Tosh and "The Wailers".

She met Bob Marley in the mid sixties. After he found out that she was a talented singer, he  asked her to audition for a group called "The Soulettes", who were later named "The I Threes". The group catapulted to fame with their song "I Love You Baby". The "I Threes" consisted of her cousin Constantine Walker and Marlene Giffordwas. Bob Marley managed and mentored the group, and in the process of developing their careers, he fell in love with Rita Marley.

Rita Anderson and Robert Nestor Marley were married on February 10, 1966. Although she was raised a Christian, once married, she became interested in the Rastafarian Movement after a visit of Emperor Haile Selassie to Jamaica in April of 1966.

She has recorded several reggae albums as a solo artist and has received accolades and success in the United Kingdom.

After Bob Marley's death she decided to transform his home into the Bob Marley Musem. A place where his music and legacy can be enjoyed and commemorated by Jamaicans and visitors from around the world. She is also the Founder and Chairperson of the Bob Marley Foundation, Bob Marley Group of Companies, and The Founder of The Rita Marley Foundation.

The Rita Marley Foundation is known for its philanthropic endeavors within the Jamaican and African Communities. Through the foundation, she has adopted 35 Ethiopian children and assisted hundreds of children in Ghana. Her foundation works fervently to help the poor and hungry in Third World countries and they have also endowed numerous scholarships to music students in Ghana's Berklee College of Music.

Mrs. Marley's dedication to the memory of Bob Marley has been tireless, even after his death, she continues to lobby to have his remains sent to Ethiopia. His after life spiritual resting place. She believes it was her late husband's dying wish to be buried on the continent of Africa because it was his dharma or mission in life.

Rita Marley continues to dazzle audiences by collaborating with Fergie on a song called "Mary Jane's Shoes" and performing vocals for Khaled on his album "Liberte". She has also added the title of Author to her repretoire with a book named "No Woman No Cry: My Life With Bob Marley".

She has been diligent in maintaining the memory and heritage of the Marley family for several decades. She is revered and honoured for being the driving force behind her husband's and childrens' stardom. A proud grandmother, and mother of Sharon, Cedella, David (Ziggy),Stephen, Stephanie and Serita Marley. 

For all of her achievements in Jamaica and in Africa, the Jamaican Hall of Fame salutes and celebrates the life of Mrs. Rita Marley!

Tags: Celebrating The Life of Rita Marley

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