The Bob and Rita Marley foundations brought together supporters, partners, artistes, and community members to honour Alferita “Rita” Marley as she celebrated her 80th earthstrong under the theme ‘Thank You Jah 80’.

The day-long tribute celebrated Marley’s extraordinary legacy as a musician, philanthropist, entrepreneur, cultural advocate, and matriarch whose impact continues to inspire generations around the world.

Celebrations began at 6:30 am with Rise in Grace, a wellness and fitness experience at Bob Marley Museum that invited participants to embrace healthy living while reflecting on Rita Marley’s lifelong commitment to holistic well-being.

From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuff Gong International came alive with a Family Fun Day, offering free entertainment and activities for all ages. Families enjoyed interactive games, storytelling, face painting, karaoke, water attractions, creative activities for children, dominoes, ludo, and complimentary health screenings. The activation reflected Rita Marley’s lifelong commitment to strengthening families, promoting wellness, and building resilient communities.

The festivities officially began with a prayer and blessing led by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, followed by cultural performances from students of Half-Way Tree Primary, Linstead Primary, Central Branch Primary, Meadowbrook Primary and Old Harbour Bay Culture Camp.

Music then took centre stage during the lunch hour concert, held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and powered by Tapedeck, an independent music streaming and digital download platform.

Through a partnership with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the concert also provided a national stage for the 2026 Festival Song Competition finalists, reinforcing both organisations’ shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Jamaican culture.

Tim Quirk, founder of Tapedeck, commented: “Rita Marley’s musical journey is a living blueprint for creative independence. What she and Bob Marley established through Tuff Gong by leveraging their voices to amplify other independent artistes and producers resonates strongly with us at Tapedeck. We are honoured to be a part of this milestone birthday celebration as we welcome Tuff Gong International Distributors to Tapedeck and look forward to bringing Jamaica’s creative community to our audience.”

The day’s celebrations culminated with the highly anticipated Thank You Jah 80 Digital Celebration Concert at 5:00 pm, streamed on the Tuff Gong TV YouTube channel and Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio on SiriusXM Channel 19. Hosted by Kamila McDonald and Ron Muschette, the concert featured performances by Tessanne Chin, Nadine Sutherland, Romain Virgo, Alaine, and Makeda, reaching audiences around the world and allowing supporters everywhere to join in celebrating the milestone.

CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies Cedella Marley shared: “We celebrate mommy every day, but turning 80 is a milestone that deserves to be honoured in a truly special way. She has spent her entire life showing up for us — not just as our mother, but as a guide, a protector, and an unwavering source of love. Beyond our family, she’s poured that same love into communities around the world, serving others with grace, compassion, and humility. Everything she has done has been rooted in love, so celebrating her is one small way for us to say thank you. She deserves every flower, every tribute, and every moment of appreciation. This celebration is our way of letting her know just how deeply she is loved.”

Alaine performs on the evening’s ‘Thank you Jah 80’ concert.(Photo: Rahyme McKenzie)

Nadine Sutherland pays tribute.(Photo: Rahyme McKenzie)

Makeda onstage (Photo: Rahyme McKenzie)

Tessanne Chin (Photo: Rahyme McKenzie)

Romain Virgo (Photo: Rahyme McKenzie)