Stephen Marley describes the relaunch of Tuff Gong International recording studio in Kingston as “a proud moment for Jamaica and Jamaican culture”. The historic facility was officially reopened on March 5 with a tour of its Marcus Garvey Drive location.

The refurbished recording studio comprises state-of-the-art equipment and Marley-aligned decor. The new-look lobby is decked with photos of Bob and Rita Marley, Stephen’s parents; as well as artistes who recorded music at Tuff Gong over the years.

There is also a recreational setting, with a pool table, a pinball machine and table tennis board catering to artistes and musicians taking a break from recording sessions.

“Dis is not about di Marley family, wi do it for Jamaica an’ di culture. It’s a proud moment for all of us,” the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter told Observer Online.

Stephen recalled recording albums like Joy And Blues and One Bright Day in the 1980s and 1990s at Tuff Gong as a member of Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers. That Grammy-winning group also included his brother Ziggy and sisters Sharon and Cedella.

Cedella Marley, who is CEO of Tuff Gong International, also attended the event along with members of the music community, many of whom have strong ties to Tuff Gong. They include Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt, who along with Rita Marley formed The I Three, Bob Marley’s harmony group.

It was a special occasion for Mowatt, who started her career as a member of The Gaylettes at what was then Federal Records in the late 1960s.

“I did my first songs here, Son of A Preacher Man and Silent River Run Deep. I also did my Black Woman album here,” she told Observer Online. “I always felt so comfortable here because it was like my home working with the Marleys.”

Federal Records was originally owned by the Khouri family, Jamaicans of Lebanese heritage who were pioneers in the local music industry. They sold the studio to the Marleys in 1981, the year Bob Marley died from cancer at age 36.

The Tuff Gong studio has been used by major artistes including Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil, Alpha Blondy of Cote d’Ivoire, Youssou N’Dour of Senegal and Sinead O’Connor of Ireland.

Others attending the launch were Mark Golding, leader of the Opposition People’s National Party; Anthony Hylton, Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western; singers Richie Stephens, Lukie D and Sangie Davis, keyboardist Robbie Lyn, percussionist Bongo Herman and bass guitarist Donald Dennis of The Firehouse Crew.