Alfarita “Rita” Constantia Anderson, most famously known as Rita Marley, is a force in her own right. While celebrated as the wife of the legendary Bob Marley, her story extends far beyond her marriage.
Born in Santiago, Cuba, and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Rita has carved a unique path as a musician, businesswoman, philanthropist, and matriarch.
From the Soulettes to the I-Threes: A Musical Journey
Rita’s musical journey began in the church and blossomed in her teens when she joined the vocal group, The Soulettes. It was during this time that she met Bob Marley, then a member of the Wailing Wailers, who coached her group. Their connection was immediate, sparking a romance that would change both of their lives.
Beyond her early work, Rita established herself as a reggae artist, most notably as a member of the iconic I-Threes. This trio, consisting of Rita, Judy Mowatt, and Marcia Griffiths, provided captivating backup vocals for Bob Marley and The Wailers during their performances and tours. The I-Threes became one of the most influential female groups in Jamaican music history, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
Rita also forged a successful solo career, releasing several albums, including Who Feels It Knows It, Harambe, Spectacle For Tribuffalos, and the Grammy-nominated We Must Carry On. Her latest album, Sunshine After Rain, features tracks produced by her son, Stephen Marley, showcasing the family’s continued musical collaboration.
Bob Marley, His Wife and Their Children
Rita is the mother of six children: Sharon, Cedella, David (Ziggy), Stephen, Stephanie, and Serita. Sharon was from a previous relationship and adopted by Bob after their marriage.
Stephanie was born in 1974 and also adopted by Bob. Together, Rita and Bob welcomed Cedella, David (Ziggy), and Stephen. After Bob’s passing, Rita gave birth to Serita in 1985.
Following in their parents’ footsteps, Sharon, Cedella, Ziggy, and Stephen formed the reggae group Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers in 1979, carrying the musical torch into a new generation. Rita is also a grandmother and great-grandmother, cherishing her role as “Nana Rita” to her ever-growing family.
Rita Marley: Preserving a Legacy of Her Husband!
After Bob Marley’s untimely death in 1981, Rita stepped into the role of caretaker of his legacy. Despite facing criticism and legal challenges, she took over the management of Tuff Gong Studios and his estate.
She transformed Bob’s Kingston home into the Bob Marley Museum in 1986, preserving his life and work for the world to experience. She also founded the Bob Marley Foundation, dedicated to upholding the spiritual, cultural, social, and musical ideals that defined Bob’s life.
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Under Rita’s guidance, the Marley empire has expanded to include merchandise lines, record stores, and other ventures. Her daughter, Cedella Marley, described Rita as having to develop “a very broad back” to take on responsibilities she wasn’t prepared for, highlighting the strength and resilience she demonstrated in the face of adversity.
A Champion of Empowerment: The Rita Marley Foundation
Beyond music and business, Rita is a dedicated philanthropist. In 2014, she established The Rita Marley Foundation, committed to alleviating poverty and championing female empowerment in Jamaica and Ghana.
The foundation provides education, healthcare, elderly care, and entrepreneurial opportunities for women and children, drawing from Rita’s own experiences as a young, unwed mother who faced discrimination in the business world.
A Guiding Force
Now retired and living in Miami near her family, Rita has passed the management of the Marley empire to her daughter, Cedella. She remains a guiding force, however, and recently served as a producer on the biopic Bob Marley: One Love, alongside Cedella and Ziggy.
Ziggy Marley has described his mother as “the backbone of everything,” emphasizing that “without her, none of this would’ve been happening.
My father’s career wouldn’t be what it is.” Rita Marley’s story is one of resilience, love, and dedication. She is not only the wife of a legend, but a legend in her own right, whose contributions have shaped music, culture, and philanthropy.
Rita Marley’s life is a testament to her strength, talent, and unwavering dedication. She is a legend in her own right. Stay tuned for more inspiring celebrities’ update on CID!
