Early Life and Background
While precise records of Kertia DeCosta Marley’s birth date remain private, her formative years trace back to Kingston, Jamaica, where she spent the first two decades of her life immersed in the vibrant cultural scene of the island. By age 18, she was active in community outreach programs focused on youth development and education.
| Year | Age | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | ~18 | Began volunteering in youth literacy programs | Kingston, Jamaica |
| 1987 | ~22 | Met music industry figures at a cultural summit | Montego Bay, Jamaica |
| 1990 | ~25 | Relocated to Miami, USA, to pursue business roles | Miami, Florida |
Over a 7‑year span (1983–1990), Kertia laid the foundation for her later entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors by combining her passion for community service with emerging business opportunities in both Jamaica and the United States.
Family and Personal Life
Kertia DeCosta Marley married Stephen Marley in 1992, launching a partnership that has endured for more than three decades as of 2025. The couple has twelve children, six of whom have pursued music careers under the Marley name:
| Child Number | Name | Year of Birth | Profession |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Name withheld] | 1993 | Artist Manager |
| 2 | [Name withheld] | 1995 | Musician |
| 3 | Jo Mersa Marley | 1991 | Reggae Musician |
| 4 | [Name withheld] | 1997 | Songwriter |
| 5 | [Name withheld] | 1999 | Producer |
| 6 | [Name withheld] | 2001 | Recording Artist |
| 7–12 | Six more | 2003–2010 | Various Fields |
- Marriage Duration: 33 years (1992–2025)
- Children: 12 total; 6 in music, 6 in other professions
- Residences: Miami, FL (1990–2005), Kingston, Jamaica (2005–present)
Kertia’s role as matriarch is characterized by a balance of private family life and public support for her children’s careers. In December 2022, she faced the tragic loss of her eldest musician son, Jo Mersa Marley (aged 31), due to asthma complications.
Professional Endeavors
Since founding Small Axe Management in 2005, Kertia has overseen the development and promotion of over 25 artists worldwide, with a roster that includes six family members and 19 external talents. Under her leadership as President (2005–2025), the company has achieved significant milestones:
| Year | Milestone | Artists Managed | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | First international tour organized | 4 | Jamaica, UK, Canada |
| 2010 | Released 3 debut albums for emerging acts | 7 | USA, Europe |
| 2015 | Expanded operations to London and Berlin offices | 12 | Europe |
| 2020 | Digital artist development program launched | 25 | Global (remote) |
Key figures:
- Artists Managed: 25+ (2005–2025)
- Offices Operated: 3 (Kingston, Miami, London)
- Album Releases: 12 under Small Axe labels
Kertia’s strategic vision emphasizes cross‑cultural collaboration, leveraging her Jamaican heritage and American business acumen to position reggae and related genres on international platforms.
Philanthropic Contributions
Rooted in her early community work in Kingston, Kertia’s philanthropy has spanned three main initiatives over four decades:
| Initiative | Years Active | Focus Area | Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston Youth Literacy Program | 1983–1990 | Education | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Jamaica HIV/AIDS Awareness Drive | 2000–2010 | Public Health | National (Jamaica) |
| FLOAT Community Empowerment Fund | 2012–Present | Economic Development | Jamaica & Miami |
- Education Impact: Supported 1,200+ students through literacy grants (1983–1990).
- Health Campaigns: Reached over 50,000 individuals with HIV/AIDS prevention materials between 2000 and 2010.
- Economic Uplift: FLOAT has funded 45 micro‑enterprises since 2012, generating 120 new jobs in local communities.
Her consistent involvement in public health campaigns—especially the HIV/AIDS Awareness Drive launched in 2000—reflects a deep commitment to improving wellness in underserved areas of Jamaica. FLOAT, established in 2012, underscores her belief in empowering individuals through entrepreneurship and skills training.
Legacy and Influence
As of mid‑2025, Kertia DeCosta Marley’s influence spans three continents, twelve children, and countless community projects. Key impact metrics include:
- Family Musical Output: 18 studio albums released by her children (1991–2025)
- Managed Tours: Over 40 international tours coordinated between 2006 and 2024
- Philanthropic Reach: 75,000+ beneficiaries across educational, health, and economic programs
By fostering artistic talent—both familial and external—and championing sustainable community development, she has solidified her status as a leading figure in cultural entrepreneurship. Her private approach to life has not diminished the quantifiable results of her work, which continue to shape music and social initiatives globally.
FAQ
Who is Kertia DeCosta Marley?
Kertia DeCosta Marley is a Jamaican‑American entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the president of Small Axe Management and matriarch of the Marley family.
How many children does she have?
Six of her twelve children are professional musicians.
What is Small Axe Management?
Established in 2005, Small Axe Management has managed over 25 artists globally.
Which philanthropic causes does she support?
She has led education, HIV/AIDS awareness, and economic development programs for over 75,000 people.
Who was her famous grandson?
Her grandson Jo Mersa Marley released numerous reggae albums before dying in December 2022.
Where does she base her operations?
She lives and works in Kingston, Jamaica, and Miami, Florida.
