Legendary reggae icon and multiple Grammy Award winner Ziggy Marley's US Tour is stopping at Montclair New Jersey's Wellmont Theater on Monday July 17.

What are the roots of your name Ziggy?

My father always called me Ziggy, that's my street name.

What is the question that you have been asked the most frequently about your father?

It would be about the pressure in following in his footsteps. It's not a problem for me, I love speaking about him. We're all working for the same cause and the same goal.....

How do you feel about the evolution of traditional old school reggae from its rock steady and ska roots to its dancehall and more rap infused strains?

Every generation has its own artists. It's important that we don't judge and criticize. Every artist has to have the right to be able to express themselves freely

Lately you've been a busy guy. Besides your recent album and current tour, you have, among other things published a cookbook, a children's book, acted on television and struck a business partnership partnered with O.penVAPE.

Yes busy, but good busy. It helps me to be a more open minded person and it helps me to reach a wider audience.

Besides premiering 2 of your recent songs on the CBS TV show Hawaii 5-O, you were also given an acting role as the character "Bones". What was that like? 

It was my first time doing anything like that. I was hesitant at first but I had to jump in the water to see if I could swim. I had to let go of my ego and just go with it.

What do you like best about the situation you guys are in now?

My continuous growth and open mindedness. I'm living that dream and I continue to pursue that freedom. I like that freedom....

Do you see much of a difference between American audiences and audiences you perform to around the world?


I don't see differences. I don't look for differences and differences don't look for me. This music brings people together.

What do you like best about being on tour?

Playing every night is a privilege. It's uplifting it's like a tribal communal thing. It gives us more confidence in humanity.

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