Yeah. Jamie Lee was one of the first persons who said, "We should make a kids' record," nine years ago, I believe. So when I was finishing up the record, I said, "I have to call Jamie Lee," because she was the one who wanted to do a kids' record with me back in the day. She had started doing kids' books. So she was right up the alley for the kids' record. So I said, "Jamie, come read. I wrote a little story myself and read one of my stories on here." She loved doing it.
What kind of impact do you hope that this album will have, since it is your first foray into children's music?
I have big, old faith in children because I want children to grow up in unity and peace and non-violence and the sun shining and love. So I hope I inspire children to speak of these things and have these things be in their lives. And then pass down to their children and their children's children until eventually, I won't have to make another children's record. This could be the only one ever and it's enough because the message is there. I hope it inspires generations and we are doing something that will inspire children to be better – better than we are as a whole in this human race in this time. The future generation can be better than what we have done here.
My favorite track on the album is "My Helping Hands." Since you're involved in a lot of different philanthropic groups and a lot of different humanitarian efforts, many of which are related to HIV and AIDS, pick one of your most recent or cherished efforts and give me a little bit of insight on what drives you to keep on working with it.
Well, some proceeds from this record will help me to continue developing a school that I adopted, [Chepstowe Basic School in Port Antonio, Jamaica]. For me, I believe that the problem in Jamaica and other countries like Jamaica is lack of focus on children, lack of foresight. The problems will not be fixed today, but we must set some kind of foundation so we know that it will be fixed in the next generation. The problem is too big to be fixed, too big for promises that politicians give to people working for them. If we do not prepare the children, all of these problems will continue. That is why I get involved with children so much – to plant a seed for the future, to make it a brighter place. The only way the world is going to change is if we teach the children the right things and teach them the positive things because children have open minds, not like most adults where they already have what they believe and what they don't believe. This is why this record is significant to me. Children are still open to receive knowledge, to receive the true knowledge that's going to help to make the place better. The solution is in the children. We have to set them up and get them ready to make this happen. We can continue to dig at it, but it will only finally come to a reality if we make sure the children are ready by giving them a good education and giving them positive ideas to live by and teaching them truth.
Article comments
1 - Kit O'Toole
Ziggy Marley continues to grow in his career and develop his own style, while of course staying true to his father's sound and message. Great interview, Clayton! For those who'd like to view my recent review of "Family Time" and a look back at "Conscious Party".
2 - carlton williams
you're everything bob wanted and more keep on keepin on,one love/heard me!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 - rwedddog
remember rita had part in that also!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 - sean lewis
when are the melody makers getting back together to do an album and a tour. i would love to take my 13 year old daughter to see them live. we love their music.
5 - Ray Salmon
Nuf Respect to Ziggy, keep di good nature of your father alive. I was born in Kingston Jamaica & love the vibes di Marley family bring to music.