The 2010 World Cup is being held in Africa for the first time ever, and this historic event motivated Marley to write a song to encourage all Africans to unite and gather as much success as possible from the global attention they will receive from the games.

The song is not an official World Cup song; rather, Marley prefers to call it a “guerrilla song” that will help Africa to look at itself and help build a better tomorrow. In a recent newspaper interview, Marley remarked, “I want Africa to look at itself and use dis as an opportunity to uplift itself beyond di World Cup … African unity should be di goal.”

The single “Africa Land” is described as an “upbeat reggae-dancehall-African-influenced song” that features Marley’s brother, Stephen, as well as Angelique Kidjo, with whom Ziggy has worked with many times before. They share a mutual love of musical roots and activism, so this project was another perfect fit. It is available for free download at www.ziggymarley.com.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is the penultimate international soccer competition and takes place June 11 to July 11 in several stadiums throughout South Africa.

The winning album, “Family Time,” is Marley’s third solo album.

Though it may seem strange for a man more well-known for Jamaican reggae to win the top spot for a children’s album, it’s not hard to believe once you know his personal life. He and his wife/manager Orly Marley have five children ranging in ages from 20 to 3: Daniel, Justice, Zuri, Judah and Gideon Marley.

Some of the stops on this tour include: Seattle, Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta and Phoenix.

Slowly but surely over the years the children’s world became more pronounced in my world. From Sesame Street, Arthur, Nickelodeon, Shark Tale and playing pre-concert children’s shows, it just kept knocking at my door. I finally realized what the Universe was telling me. It is time to make a children’s record. There is a reason for this. What has been hidden from the wise and the prudent is revealed to the babe and the suckling. The message is for the children and Jah says it is time to make music for the children,” Ziggy said.

So, maybe sometime between now and the time his tour kicks off in January, your little ones can enjoy Ziggy’s music as much as you do!

Marley recently compiled a 16-track collection of reggae classics titled “Ziggy Marley in Jamaica.” It includes songs by Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Culture and Toots & the Maytals, and many more.

The disc is set to be released on July 15, and will also be available on iTunes.

July 26, 2008

Baltimore, Maryland

July 27, 2008

Vienna, Virginia

August 9, 2008

Del Mar, California

Check back soon for Ziggy updates, and cross your fingers for more tour dates!