In the heart of Ghana’s twin city, Sekondi-Takoradi, a young boy once known as Julius Amua-Sekyi wandered the streets of Maxwell Road with music in his soul and fire in his spirit. That boy would grow into Shasha Marley, an internationally acclaimed reggae artist, a voice of social consciousness, and a national treasure whose career has spanned continents, decades, and generations. Now, over 20 years after helping lead Ghana’s Stop AIDS movement through music, Shasha Marley is poised to reclaim the spotlight with the release of his much-anticipated 16-track album titled Africa Rise. Blending timeless messages with the same creative genius that built his legacy, the project promises a powerful return, including 10 new songs and remixed classics. Already, fans and promoters in Kenya are clamoring for the album’s launch, where his track I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel has become an anthem. The Ghanaian launch of Africa Rise is set for August, with an international tour planned, starting in Kenya. But the journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Roots in Sekondi and the Rise of a Musical Identity
Growing up in Sekondi, Julius Amua-Sekyi—then known as Shaha Marley—was drawn to reggae from an early age. At St. John’s Secondary School, he quickly earned a reputation as the school’s Bob Marley. But while many of his peers sang the popular tracks of the reggae icon, young Shasha stood out as the only student confidently performing Burning Spear’s socially conscious and spiritually rooted songs. His stage name, Shasha Marley, came from a Zimbabwean woman who lived on Maxwell Road with the Mugbe family. The name “Shasha,” meaning “Great Man” in Shona, was a prophetic declaration that would echo through his life and career.
Music as Advocacy: The AIDS Campaign and Global Spotlight
In the year 2000, Shasha Marley’s voice became central to one of Ghana’s most impactful public health campaigns. Partnering with the Ghana Social Marketing Foundation (GSMF) and Johns Hopkins University, he led a musical collaboration titled Stop AIDS, Love Life. The song, featuring top Ghanaian musicians, was launched at the Accra International Conference Center by Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings during the final days of the Rawlings administration. Through this campaign, Shasha caught the attention of legendary American soul singer Isaac Hayes, and subsequently Stevie Wonder when they visited Ghana for the Save a Million Lives initiative. Isaac Hayes was so moved by Shasha’s demo that he played it during a Mike Tyson fight in Memphis, exposing it to a global audience. Shortly thereafter, Shasha Marley received a First-Class ticket to Hollywood, where he would record the track professionally in a state-of-the-art studio, marking a monumental leap in his international journey.
Global Performances and the Heart Behind ‘Matter Family’
From Kenya to Mongolia, and even Papua New Guinea, Shasha Marley’s music has broken borders. One of his most touching creations, Matter Family, was born out of a desire to reconnect with long-lost friends from Papua New Guinea who had changed their contact addresses. “It wasn’t just a song,” he said in an interview with Haruna Babangida on the PM Jam on Melody FM. “It was a cry to people I loved, asking them to reach out.” The song would go on to win him the KORA All Africa Music Award in 2010 for Best African Reggae Artist.
‘Africa Rise’: A Return to Purpose and Power
With the world facing new waves of social and spiritual challenges, Africa Rise is both a declaration and a mission. The 16-track project is a celebration of the continent’s resilience and a call for unity. According to Shasha Marley, the album reintroduces the same depth and creativity that characterized his earlier work, but with a matured vision and expanded sound. Notably, 10 of the tracks are new compositions, while the rest are remixed versions of songs that fans have long cherished. Among the tracks, I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel stands out as a favorite, particularly in Kenya, where it has become something of a national worship reggae anthem. Promoters there are calling for a formal album launch, which will be followed by a Kenyan tour immediately after the August launch in Ghana.
The Legend and the Region
In a deeply engaging interview, footballer-turned-media host of the PM Jam on Melody FM Haruna Babangida explored the life and legacy of the reggae icon. At one point, Shasha Marley admitted with warmth that Haruna is his “contact in the Western Region”, underlining how grounded and connected the artist remains to his roots in Sekondi-Takoradi. During the same conversation, Shasha also reflected on his powerful meeting with Burning Spear himself in a studio in Manhattan, New York, a surreal full-circle moment for the young boy who once stood alone singing Burning Spear songs at St. John’s School.
A Voice for the Times
From Sekondi to Hollywood, from AIDS campaigns to spiritual anthems, Shasha Marley has consistently used his voice not just to entertain, but to inspire, educate, and connect. As Africa Rise prepares to hit the airwaves, it is not just a new album. It is a resurrection, a powerful reminder that legends never fade, they evolve. With his sights set on Ghana, Kenya, and beyond, Shasha Marley is once again ready to echo across the world, this time, louder than ever.