Ziggy Marley Talks Pot, Being Rasta & Snoop Being His Dad’s Reincarnation

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Ziggy Marley is Stuff Stoners Like

Ziggy Marley is a Jamaican musician, singer, and songwriter who is best known for his work in the reggae music genre. He was born David Nesta Marley on October 17, 1968, in Trenchtown, Jamaica, and is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley.

Ziggy Marley began his music career in the late 1970s as a member of the group The Melody Makers, which also included his siblings. The group released their debut album in 1985, which was titled “Play the Game Right” and featured the hit single “Tomorrow People.”

Over the years, Ziggy Marley has continued to release music both as a solo artist and with The Melody Makers. He has won numerous awards for his work, including several Grammy Awards. In addition to his music career, Marley is also an activist and philanthropist, supporting various causes related to social justice, environmentalism, and education.

Exclusive interview

Our grow columnist Dru West, author of the Secrets of the West Coast Masters, had a chance to speak with Ziggy Marley about his new album, marijuana, being Rastafarian and what he thought about Snoop Dogg’s claim that he is the reincarnation of Ziggy’s dad—Bob Marley.

WCM: What’s up Ziggy? We’d like to start by congratulating you for your album “Ziggy Marley in Concert” winning the 2014 Grammy Award for “Best Reggae Album.”

Ziggy: “Hello Dru. Thank you. Respect.”

WCM: We’ve been playing your new single “Fly Rasta” here for the last couple weeks and I can’t seem to get it out of my head. This song seems to have a bit of a different sound than I’m used to hearing from Ziggy Marley. Is that something we can expect from the new album?

Ziggy: “Yeah man I love it! Every time can’t be the same old thing. It is just the way I am. I always try to take different roads to see where I go. You know? I’m very excited and I really enjoyed making this record a lot.”

WCM: I see the new album is coming out on April 16th, which is right on time for our favorite day 4/20. What are your plans for 4/20 this year?

Ziggy: “Hmm. This year, where am I going to be for 4/20? You know we don’t make plans! Its 4/20! You don’t plan it you just do it!”

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Ziggy’s latest book

WCM: I’m holding a copy of your book, “Marijuana Man” a great fully illustrated, hardcover comic book that you wrote a few years ago. What was your inspiration to take the time to write a comic book about a superhero called Marijuana Man?

Ziggy: “The inspiration was to cast a light on the plant. You know this plant has the ability to heal the whole world. That is the reason I created this super hero. This comic was not written in a stereotypical, comedic sense either. It is the real deal.”

WCM: It’s clear that you are a big supporter of Marijuana. Is ganja still a big part of your life? Do you like to stay smoked out while recording an album?

Ziggy: “Oh sometimes yes! Not all the time, just when I need inspiration. You know it is just natural. We smoke naturally. Ya know? No chemicals. We smoke free naturally with no chemicals.”

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What it means to be Rasta according to Ziggy Marley

WCM: For those out there, who are just getting into reggae music, explain what it means to “be Rasta.” What is a Rastafarian? Is it a way of thinking and acting or is it a religion?

Ziggy: “What does it mean to be Rasta? Well, it’s a good human being. Rasta is a good human being. Loving. Good for the Planet Earth you know? It is a way of life and thinking. It is a philosophy you know. I don’t think it is a uniform thing, but the foundation has to come from the same roots.”

Snoop Lion aka Snoop Dog claims he is the reincarnation Bob Marley

WCM: Here on the West Coast we hear a lot about Rasta this and that. Lately we’ve heard a lot from Snoop Dogg or Snoop Lion saying that he is Rasta. I’ve heard him say that he is the reincarnation of your father, Bob Marley. Did he come and talk to you about that first? I mean, are you cool with all that?

Ziggy: “Me, I don’t judge or hate no one. You know Snoop… Snoop cool man. That man have the right to what he say and think. I don’t get into things like that. It is not necessary to me. It’s not worth the time. You know? Just live your life and make sure “you” do what “you” do. Don’t watch what he do. Whatever he do, he do. But you do what you do. That is all you need. Stick to your accent!”



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