How Many Different Woman Did Bob Marley Have Kids With?
The Many Mothers of the Marley Children
Bob Marley, the iconic reggae legend, was not only known for his music but also for his complex personal life, marked by various relationships with different women. While his music often takes center stage, it’s essential to explore the aspects of his life that contributed to the intricate tapestry of his legacy. In this article, we delve into the unique stories of the women who shared intimate connections with Bob Marley, each contributing to the diverse family he left behind.
Rita Marley
Rita Marley, the only woman to hold the title of Bob’s wife, played a central role in his life. They married in 1966 when Bob was just 21 years old, and their union resulted in six children—Sharon, Cedella, Ziggy, Stephen, Stephanie, and Julian Marley. Beyond being a mother, Rita became the matriarch of the Marley family, actively preserving and promoting Bob’s lasting legacy. According to the Rita, she and Bob had an understanding about love, their relationships and the children that came from them
Pat "Lucille" Williams
Robbie Marley, born in May 1972, was the product of Bob Marley’s relationship with Pat Williams. Robbie was born less than a month after Stephen and was Bob’s first of many children not fathered by Rita. Not much is known about his mother Pat “Lucille” Williams as Robbie was brought to live with Bob and Rita.
Janet Hunt
Rohan Marley, born just months apart from Robbie, grew up with Janet Hunt as his mother. Rohan spent his early years splitting his time between the two households but was ultimately raised by Janet Hunt following Bob’s death in 1981, providing him with a sense of stability. Like Pat Williams, Janet led a private life, shielding herself and Rohan from the spotlight.
Janet Bowen
Karen Marley was born in England in 1973 and is the daughter of Bob Marley and Janet Bowen as the result of a whirlwind relationship between the two. There is very little known about Janet Bowen, who was affectionately referred to by Bob as “Janet from England.” Janet allowed Karen to be raised in Jamaica with the rest of the Marley children, by her grandparents, and by Rita Marley. Janet Bowen’s decision to allow Karen to be part of the Marley family showcases the varied dynamics within Bob’s relationships.
Lucy Pounder
Julian Marley, born in 1975, is the son of Bob Marley and Lucy Pounder. Raised by Lucy in London, Julian’s annual visits to Jamaica fostered a connection with his father. Julian eventually moved to Kingston when he was 17 years old. Although not much is known about Lucy Pounder, aside from her Barbados origins, her influence on Julian’s upbringing adds another dimension to Bob’s extended family.
Anita Belnavis
Anita Belnavis was a Caribbean table tennis champion who has largely been out of the limelight since the end of her reign as the queen of table tennis in the Caribbean in the 1970s. Ky-Mani Marley, born in 1976, is the son of Bob Marley and then girlfriend Anita Belnavis. Belnavis now resides in the United States, but retains close ties with her hometown of Falmouth, Trelawny, where Ky-Mani was born.
Cindy Breakspeare
Yvette Crichton
Yvette is believed to be the last woman Bob to give birth to one of Bob’s children. Just two months before the singer’s death, in March 1981, Yvette gave birth to a daughter named Makeda Jashnesta Marley. In addition to his marriage to Rita, Yvette Crichton is one of several women Bob was known to be dating at the time, also including Cindy Breakspeare and a Gabonese political figure named Pascaline Bongo.
Eleven years later, Rita acknowledged that Makeda was Bob’s daughter and she was finally listed as a beneficiary of Bob Marley’s estate. Makeda gained media attention when she went to jail for a few weeks because she had too many marijuana plants in her Miami home that exceeded her simple personal use. Like father like daughter.
*Cheryl Murray
Cheryl Murray and Bob Marley dated from 1961 to 1963. According to various websites, Imani Carole Marley was born on May 22, 1963, to Bob Marley and her mother Cheryl Murray when Bob was only 18 years old. Very little is known about Imani or her mother and for reasons unknown, Imani is not listed as one of the Marley children on his official website. Our research cold not find any verification of this claim and it is unclear what Cheryl Murray’s connection to Jamaica or to Bob would have been during this time.
Bob Marley's Baby Mamas
Unraveling the intricate web of Bob Marley’s relationships and the children they brought forth unveils a nuanced portrait of the reggae legend. While we’ve explored the stories of these women, it’s important to acknowledge that the exact number of women who bore Bob Marley’s children remains somewhat elusive. The depth of his connections, both brief and enduring, shaped the diverse family he embraced.
In contemplating Bob’s affairs and relationships, one can’t help but recognize the complexity of his journey through love and fatherhood, leaving an indelible mark on his enduring legacy.
