According to a press release from Tuff Gong Worldwide, through Headline Entertainment, the five-time Grammy winning artist and reggae icon was motivated by the historic occurrence of the World Cup being played in Africa for the first time and took the opportunity to write his current single “Africa Land.” The song is an anthem to unity, freedom and new beginnings; well known principles championed by the legendary Marley family. “Africa Land” falls on the heels of Ziggy’s 2009 Grammy-winning Children’s album, ‘Family Time’.
For “Africa Land” Ziggy recruited Grammy winning artists, brother Stephen Marley and African mega star Angelique Kidjo. Together they created a catchy, danceable song, which incorporates Dancehall Reggae, as well as African elements.
“The bible says ‘the first shall be last and the last shall be first.’ How fitting that South Africa – the last nation on the homeland to be free – is the launch pad for a global event that will showcase the rise of the African continent,” the release quotes Ziggy as saying. “Africa Land is the song which celebrates that dream becoming true.”
Ziggy plans to release “Africa Land” as an exclusive to African radio, to be followed worldwide as a free download shortly thereafter. “Africa Land” will be the first single from an upcoming collection of free singles entitled ‘The Wild and Free Singles’ Ziggy is to release later this year.
Ziggy, the oldest son pf Bob Marley and his wife Rita, became immersed in music from age ten when he sat in on recording sessions with his father. Then, as front man to Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, he released eight best-selling albums, generating three Grammys, with such chart-topping hits as “Tomorrow People” and “Tumbling Down.” Ziggy’s solo debut, ‘Dragonfly’, was released in 2003. His second solo release, ‘Love Is My Religion’, won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album to much critical acclaim in 2006. His third solo release, ‘Family Time’, scored him a Grammy in a new category: Best Musical Album For Children.
