Tuff Gong International Reopens on Marcus Garvey Drive, Stephen Marley Strikes Gong

Stephen Marley struck a gong to signal the official reopening of Tuff Gong International at 220 Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston, a relaunch presented to invited guests on March 5. The moment, captured in photographs with Cedella Marley looking on, marked the return of the Marley family studio after a complete refurbishment.

Stephen Marley called the relaunch "a proud moment for Jamaica and Jamaican culture," and attendees described the launch as elegant and respectful. Observers at the event said the evening felt posh, with "a natural mystic blowing through the air" as the Marleys unveiled the new-look facility to members of the music community and political figures.

Cedella Marley attended the event; one photo caption identified her as chief executive officer of the Bob Marley Group of Companies while other accounts list her as CEO of Tuff Gong International. Red Stripe sponsored the evening, represented by brand manager Amoye Phillpotts-Brown, who appeared in event photos alongside Cedella Marley.

Reggae icons were on hand to mark the reopening. Marcia Griffiths, described in coverage as the "Queen of Reggae," said, "I came here totally not knowing what to see or to expect, and I am totally in shock... in awe... I am blown away," adding, "But you would have to know what this place was to appreciate what you are seeing today." Judy Mowatt, who recorded early work at the site with The Gaylettes, recalled, "I did my first songs here, Son of A Preacher Man and Silent River Run Deep. I also did my Black Woman album here... I always felt so comfortable here because it was like my home working with the Marleys."

The refurbished studio is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and Marley-aligned decor, and the new-look lobby is decked with photos of Bob and Rita Marley alongside images of artistes who recorded at Tuff Gong over the years. Contributed images and captions show the voicing room, records lining a studio wall, and interior touches described as inviting, chic, and sophisticated.

Tuff Gong’s roots trace back to Federal Records, originally owned by the Khouri family, pioneers in Jamaica’s music industry; the studio was sold to the Marleys in 1981, the same year Bob Marley died from cancer at age 36. Over decades the studio attracted international artists including Gilberto Gil of Brazil, Alpha Blondy of Côte d’Ivoire, Youssou N’Dour of Senegal, and Sinéad O’Connor of Ireland.

Political and music figures at the relaunch included Opposition Leader Mark Golding, identified in one caption as member of parliament for St Andrew Southern and elsewhere as leader of the Opposition People’s National Party, Anthony Hylton, Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western, singers Richie Stephens, Lukie D and Sangie Davis, keyboardist Robbie Lyn, percussionist Bongo Herman, and bass guitarist Donald Dennis of The Firehouse Crew. With its updated equipment, refurbished rooms and refreshed public spaces, Tuff Gong International has reopened to continue its role as a recording destination for Jamaican and international artists.