Rita Marley – Outstanding Reggae Artiste

Rita Marley, OD, is a Jamaican musician and philanthropist. She is the widow of famous reggae artist, the late Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, OM.

Rita Marley’s singing career began when she and two women formed a group called “The Soulettes” in 1964.  She performed with the group and as a solo artiste throughout the 1960s. During this time, she met and married reggae artiste, Bob Marley.

In 1973, Rita Marley formed the group “I-Three” with Judy Mowatt, and Marcia Griffiths. Together they provided back-up vocals for Bob Marley. As a solo artist, Marley had several albums, including “Who Feels It Knows It” (1980), “Harambe” (1982), and “We Must Carry On” (1991). Marley has performed in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean and in Australia.

Awards

For her contributions to the global development of reggae music and her humanitarian pursuits, Rita Marley has been awarded:

• An Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree (LLD) by the University of the West Indies, Mona in 2015
• Induction into the Caribbean Hall of Fame in 2014
• Honorary Ghanaian citizenship from the government of Ghana, West Africa in 2013
• The African International Media Summit (AIMS) Living Legend Award in 2012
• The Order of Distinction (OD) by the Jamaican Government in 1996