One in all Jamaica’s most historic recording areas has entered a brand new chapter. Tuff Gong Worldwide Studios formally reopened its doorways on March 5, 2026, after a significant renovation guided by Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Corporations. The relaunch passed off on the studio’s headquarters at 220 Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston and introduced collectively many acquainted faces from Jamaica’s music business.
Amongst these attending the night have been Cedella Marley, Stephen Marley, members of the Marley household, Opposition Chief Mark Golding, reggae icons Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt of the legendary I-Threes, saxophonist Dean Fraser and Downsound Data CEO Joseph Bogdanovich.
A symbolic second in the course of the ceremony got here when Stephen Marley struck the ceremonial gong, formally marking the reopening of the newly renovated studios. The gesture, after all, paid tribute to Bob Marley’s nickname “Tuff Gong” and the legacy that continues to form the identification of the house.
“We’re very happy with this house,” Stephen Marley shared in the course of the occasion. “It’s for all of us. It’s for Jamaica. That is the studio of time and expertise.”
Friends have been then invited to tour the power, led by Cedella Marley and Basic Supervisor Lecia-Gaye Taylor, with help from senior tour information Wilfred “Ricky Chaplin” Chambers. The renovation venture was designed by Jon Clarke, whereas fixtures have been manufactured and put in by Integra Design underneath the management of Arturo Boada.
Music was additionally a part of the night. Representing the subsequent technology of the Marley household, Yohan Marley and Mystic Marley handled friends to a stay efficiency, bringing contemporary power to the celebration and reminding everybody that Tuff Gong stays a dwelling inventive house for reggae’s future. The occasion was supported by Crimson Stripe.
The property itself carries deep roots in Jamaica’s musical historical past. Earlier than turning into Tuff Gong, the positioning was house to Federal Data, one of many island’s earliest recording studios, the place a lot of Jamaica’s basis artists recorded their music. In 1981, Rita Marley bought the property, fulfilling Bob Marley’s want to personal the studio that had as soon as turned him away earlier in his profession.
“What was as soon as a spot the place Bob Marley was turned away turned, by Nana Rita’s management, a house for Jamaican music and creativity,” stated Lecia-Gaye Taylor. “Our aim is to make sure this historic house continues to serve artists and creatives from Jamaica and all over the world.”
With the renovation full, Tuff Gong Worldwide Studios now strikes ahead as a contemporary recording and artistic hub whereas staying firmly related to its historic legacy. Artists can already e-book studio time for rehearsals and recordings, whereas guests will quickly once more be capable of tour the legendary facility, together with the recording studios, rehearsal room and vinyl urgent manufacturing facility.
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