As if the Marley heirs aren’t already envied for winning the most Grammy awards in the reggae category during the annual presentations voted by members of the National Association of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS), now Orly Marley, the wife of six-time Grammy-winner David “Ziggy” Marley has just been elected a governor of the Los Angeles Chapter of The Recording Academy. Recently named to the governing body that decide eligibility for nomination and consideration for the coveted music honor, Orly has been married to Rita and Robert Nesta’s eldest son for nine years.
The Israel-born Orly Agai Marley and her musician husband have three children – daughter Judah Victoria and sons Gideon Robert Nesta and Abraham Selassie.
In addition, she manages her husband’s career.
Reportedly, Agai’s family moved to Los Angeles when she was 14-years-old. She spent more than a decade working at the entertainment industry’s prestigious William Morris Talent agency. Along with his brother Stephen, sisters Sharon and Cedella — that comprised the Grammy-winning recording group Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers – he was signed to that booking agency.
In her new position, Marley joins the 40-member voting group which includes Lalah Hathaway, Marcus Miller, Ray parker Jr, Booker T., Earth, Wind & Fire musician/singer Verdine White and a long list of celebrated Grammy-nominees and winners.
“The Los Angeles Chapter holds the distinction of being the organization’s oldest and largest Chapter. Founded at Hollywood’s legendary Brown Derby restaurant in 1957, the California chapter is located near the national headquarters of NARAS in Santa Monica, Calif. With more than 5,400 members it remains focused on music and arts education, and their importance to the development of the next generation of artists and community leaders…”
The chapter has embarked on an ambitious, diverse slate of activities and programs to accomplish these goals. Throughout the year, the chapter presents educational and professional development programs aimed at educating industry professionals and the local community as a whole. More than anything, the governors from the chapter influence the future of all 82 genre represented annually.
Since the 1984 introduction of a Best Reggae album category, the Marley brothers have dominated the nominations. Consistently named as contenders in the category, Ziggy, Kymani, Julian, Damian, Stephen, Richie Marley and Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers have annually been named among the genre’s best recorders. Earlier this year, Ziggy repeated his streak winning his fifth for “Ziggy Marley In Concert.”
Last month he released “Fly Rasta” which debuted at number one on Billboard’s Reggae Album Chart. The popular, reggae musician recently appeared here at SOB’s Club & Restaurant in Manhattan.
Incidentally, Ziggy’s brother Stephen — who has won the most golden, miniature gramophones — stopped into New York last week. Seemingly the alternating reggae winner with his brother Ziggy — Stephen won his sixth last year with the release of “Revelation Part I: The Root of Life.”
In July, he will follow up with the release of “Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life.” Here for a concert and sneak peek into his latest work, Stephen joined friends and associates at the Dream Hotel’s Electric Room in Manhattan on April 21. To celebrate his 42nd birthday he engaged audiences to listen in on his next possible Grammy win. Prior to that evening he allegedly drew a capacity crowd to the Best Buy Theater.
Brother Rohan – a not-yet-recorded Marley offspring — showed up to join his celebrated brother. Three-time Grammy winner, Damian, the youngest brother and Stephen’s collaborator as owners of Ghetto Youths International was noticeably absent because he was out west performing at the Coachella Festival with Nas and Lauryn Hill.
Catch You On The Inside!
