Biography

b. Damian Breakspeare, 1978, Jamaica. Breakspeare's mother Cindy came to prominence when she won the Miss World title in 1977 representing Jamaica. Her notoriety led to a meeting and subsequent relationship with Bob Marley. The consanguinity was well publicized and the affair resulted in Damian's parturition. His father's musical precocity and the dancehall scene in Jamaica influenced the adolescent Breakspeare in his aspirations. His initial musical venture was to perform alongside Shiah Coore, the son of Third World's guitarist Stephen "Cat" Coore, in a band performing as the Shepherds. The group performed at the 1992 Reggae Sunsplash Festival as well as, the then named Reggae Bash, later in the same year. His debut release "School Controversy" faltered, although his lineage led to the track being featured on Epic Record's Positively Reggae: An All Family Musical Celebration. In 1993, performing as Damian "Junior Gong" Marley, he toured alongside Shabba Ranks on the ragga DJ's World Unity Concert. Later in that year he featured in the line-up at the flourishing White River Reggae Bash in the USA. He signed with the Tuff Gong subsidiary Ghetto Youths International, who released his album debut produced by Stephen Marley. The sessions demonstrated Damian's unique DJ style, that was influenced by dancehall and hip-hop. Notable tracks include "Mr. Marley", "Keep On Grooving", "Me Name Junior Gong" and "One More Cup Of Coffee". Also released was the contagious "Pound And A Half", which was lamentably greeted with indifference in Jamaica. The number of siblings recording on the strength of the Marley lineage may have alienated purists, although completists insured a respectable income from his efforts. In 1994 Cindy released, "Boy's Talk" and "I Wanna Kiss You" although Damian did not openly endorse these releases. In 1995 the Marley genealogy led to a partnership with Julian Marley who joined him at performances on the Reggae Sunsplash and Sumfest festivals. The success of their performance led to an international tour supporting Ziggy Marley And The Melody Makers, that covered South, Central and North America and culminated in the Marley Magic: A Marley Family Reunion in New York's Central Park. The celebratory concerts proved a popular concept with an ever increasing line-up encompassing, Ky-mani, Pearl Livingstone and even Damian's mother.
DISCOGRAPHY: Mr. Marley (Ghetto Youths International/Heartbeat 1997)***.

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