Father’s Day Tribute
hangin’ out with happenin’ dads
words jemma gafford
images dani brubaker
ziggy marley
Occupations: singer, songwriter, producer
Family: married to Orly Marley;
children – Daniel, 18; Justice, 16;
Zuri, 14; Judah, 3; and Gideon, 1 1/2
Everything just seems right with the world when talking to Ziggy Marley. He just brings this aura of peace and love, which is a way he fulfills one of his primary daddy roles: being a good example. Ziggy believes that parents should give their kids “good roots” to have a solid foundation as an adult. He feels the whole being is important, which includes staying healthy and exercising. Ziggy promotes the phrase “action speaks louder than words” and uses his music to promote his message of love.
Ziggy’s parenting style is loose, and he tries not to get angry with his kids. Instead, he prefers to speak calmly and tell the truth. He explains the facts, and lets his kids know they need to just accept it. Simply interacting with his kids is enjoyable for Ziggy: “It’s just fun being around the kids, playing music and jamming.”
one of his role models was his own dad, bob marley. Sure, it was “cool” having Bob Marley as a father — not because of he was a music legend, but just how he acted as a dad. Ziggy fondly remembers his childhood as one filled with music; his father was fun-loving and played sports with Ziggy and his siblings. Since his dad traveled all over the world, Ziggy also remembers being excited about interesting things brought back from those travels – and it’s probably why the Marley siblings are so open-minded about other cultures.
Ziggy feels the ultimate father role model is “the Almighty – father of all,” whose teachings stressed the importance of educating children. Ziggy strongly feels that “children are our greatest asset” and they indeed are the future. Children need to learn the importance of society, and their own roles in it. “Get the right food into their minds...show them how to make a better place...and it’ll be the right tools for positive change.”
Kids influence his music and work, and Ziggy sees the appreciation in his own children. They love to hear their daddy’s voice and music on animated shows, such as Shark Tale, Dora the Explorer and Arthur. Ziggy is also developing a new animated series, Little Z. Like many children’s shows, Little Z has underlying messages, but this series will be direct, not subtle. Little Z will teach character education, such as concepts of love, unity, charity, discipline and even handling death.
Educating kids is why Ziggy is a big supporter of Little Kids Rock, a non-profit that believes that all children in our public schools deserve music education. Ziggy says that educators “know that music is part of the mental development - music teaches us.” He feels students need music to helps them develop and process information. “Music makes the mind go, the parts of the brain not triggered is opened up. Then that part of the brain goes – WOW! It’s simple and beautiful.” And in turn education makes our kids more open minded.
Ziggy also helped start the non-profit U.R.G.E. – Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment – to encourage like-minded individuals to help people living in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands with education, toys, health, food and other vital needs.
Parents can help educate their kids and their communities by not passing on their own prejudices to their kids; give kids the freedom to take the tools you’ve given them and develop themselves. Ziggy encourages parents not to give kids “borders or cultural prejudices that alienate kids from others. Give children a chance to open their minds, don’t burden kids with your own problems and prejudices, and don’t protect your kids too much; it will hurt them later.”
Ziggy did grow up in Jamaica, but no matter where he’s living, Ziggy says it’s “still me.” He’s not into the typical LA scene, because his “roots are not uprooted, they are so strong, it’s still the same vibe.” We all need some of that Ziggy vibe – let’s hear it for making love our religion.
Ziggy’s perfect Father’s Day gift: Love. “There is no material thing more important.”
Hair and Make-up:
Jennifer Fiamengo
Using Kiehls products
Jennifer Fiamengo
Using Kiehls products
