She was born Alfarita Constantia Anderson on July 25, 1946, in Kingston. A singer whose identity was already taking shape from the beginning — her career started at Studio One in the early 1960s, and she became one of the essential voices behind the harmonic layers that defined Bob Marley & The Wailers. Alongside Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt, she was a crucial presence long before Bob Marley became a global phenomenon. She is Rita Marley.
After Bob Marley passed in 1981, Rita took on the responsibility of protecting the family legacy through Tuff Gong, the Bob Marley Museum, and a range of cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Her work has consistently centered spirituality, African identity, and Rastafari values — from the ska era through roots reggae and beyond.
Kulturdotmedia recommends these six tracks as a chronological journey through Rita Marley as an artist:
Rita was still going by Rita Anderson when this was recorded at Studio One. An essential entry point — the vocal harmony style of Jamaican women's groups in the 1960s, heard here in its early form.
Alongside Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt, Rita built the harmonic backbone of every Bob Marley & The Wailers performance. The Rainbow Theatre show in 1977 is one of the finest documents of that role on record.
From the album "Who Feels It Knows It" (1981) — Rita's most internationally recognized solo track. Strong roots reggae, a distinctive vocal character, and a musical identity that stands on its own.
Spirituality, lived experience, and unshakeable conviction in one track. Warm roots reggae tones and a theme that runs as a through-line across her entire career.
Harambee in Swahili means "working together." Rita chose that word as her title, and the message is direct: African diaspora unity as the spirit driving her music.
A closing track that represents the spirituality and artistic maturity accumulated over more than six decades. Rita Marley is one of the most influential women in reggae history — and this track shows exactly why.
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