Kertia DeCosta Marley is a quiet but powerful name inside the Marley family legacy. She is known as the wife of Stephen Marley and the founder of Small Axe Management. Beyond that, she is a music manager, producer, and a strong supporter of the next generation of Marley artists. Her story connects Jamaica, Miami, family, music, and meaningful causes.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kertia DeCosta Marley |
| Also Known As | Kertia DaCosta-Marley |
| Date of Birth | May 14 |
| Birth Year | Estimated between 1974 and 1976 |
| Age (2026) | Approximately 50 to 52 years old |
| Nationality | Jamaican-American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Jamaican |
| Religion | Associated with Rastafarian culture |
| Birthplace | Jamaica |
| Raised In | Miami / Dade County, Florida |
| Education | Miami Dade College |
| Profession | Music Manager, Producer, Philanthropist |
| Known For | Wife of Stephen Marley and founder of Small Axe Management |
| Husband | Stephen Marley |
| Marital Status | Married since 2008 |
| Children | Mystic Marley, Yohan Marley, Summer Marley, Justice Marley, Jeremiah Marley |
| Residence | Miami and Homestead, Florida; also Kingston, Jamaica |
| Business | Small Axe Management |
| Other Affiliations | Ghetto Youths International, Lonely Whale |
| Net Worth | Not publicly confirmed; connected to Marley family wealth |
| Social Media | Instagram @small_axe (private/professional) |
Who Is Kertia DeCosta Marley?
Kertia DeCosta Marley is a Jamaican-American music manager and producer. She is best known for her role behind the scenes in the Marley family’s creative world. While many members of the family are famous performers, she works more quietly, helping guide careers and manage projects.
She was born on May 14, with most sources placing her birth year between 1974 and 1976. This puts her age in the early fifties as of 2026. Some personal details, like her parents and siblings, are not publicly shared. This reflects her overall approach to privacy.
Even with a low public profile, Kertia is deeply connected to the Marley legacy. Through her marriage, her work, and her role as a mother, she has become an important part of the family’s ongoing story.
Early Life, Education, and Background
Kertia DeCosta Marley was born in Jamaica and later moved to the United States. She grew up in the Miami and Dade County area, often referred to as the 305. This environment gave her a mix of Caribbean culture and American life.
Her Jamaican roots remain a strong part of her identity. She often reflects this through her lifestyle, values, and fashion choices. She is known for her natural look, often wearing locs, and for a style that blends Caribbean influence with modern fashion.
She studied at Miami Dade College, which played a role in shaping her early life in Florida. Today, she spends time between Miami, Homestead, and Kingston. This balance keeps her connected to both her upbringing and her heritage.
Kertia’s Career, Business Ventures, and Professional Life
Kertia DeCosta Marley built her career in music management and production. She is the founder of Small Axe Management, which focuses on developing new talent, especially within the Marley family.
Her main work involves guiding artists, managing their public image, and supporting their music releases. She plays a key role in shaping careers behind the scenes. One of her biggest responsibilities is managing her daughter Mystic Marley.
Her business work also connects with other entities like Ghetto Youths International and Kingsberg Estate Corp.. These links show her involvement in both creative and business sides of the Marley network.
Kertia DeCosta Marley has also worked as a producer. Her credits include projects like “Waiting for the War,” “Hurley Presents Shama,” and “Endlessly.” These projects highlight her role in music-based visual storytelling and creative production.
Philanthropy, Environmental Activism, and Public Causes
Beyond business, Kertia DeCosta Marley is active in charity and environmental work. She has worked with Lonely Whale, focusing on ocean health and reducing plastic waste.
She supported campaigns like Strawless Ocean and Strawless Jamaica. These efforts aim to reduce single use plastics, especially in the Caribbean.
Her work also connects with family-led foundations such as the Bob Marley Foundation and the Rita Marley Foundation. These organizations focus on education, community support, and empowerment.
She has also partnered with Global Empowerment Mission and its founder Michael Capponi. Through these efforts, she has helped support disaster relief and humanitarian work in the Caribbean.
Kertia DeCosta Marley’s Relationship, Marriage Timeline With Stephen Marley
The relationship between Kertia DeCosta Marley and Stephen Marley is a key part of her life. The couple married in 2008 and have remained together for nearly two decades.
It is believed they may have connected through music or Jamaican cultural circles. Over time, their relationship has grown into both a personal and professional partnership.
Their life together includes raising a large blended family and supporting the Marley legacy. They experienced a major loss in 2022 with the passing of Jo Mersa Marley. Despite challenges, they continue to appear together at family events and public gatherings.
They live mainly in Miami and Homestead, including a large estate purchased in 2020. Their lifestyle reflects a mix of family focus, privacy, and creative work.
Meet Her Husband
Stephen Marley is a central figure in reggae music. Born on April 20, 1972, he is the second son of Bob Marley and Rita Marley. He grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, surrounded by music.
He began performing at a young age with his siblings in The Melody Makers. Over time, he developed into a skilled producer and artist. He has won eight Grammy Awards, both as a solo artist and as a producer.
His solo albums include “Mind Control,” “Revelation Pt. 1,” and “Old Soul.” He has also produced major works for his brother Damian Marley, including “Welcome to Jamrock.”
Stephen Marley also co-founded Ghetto Youths International. He is involve in philanthropy through the Ghetto Youths Foundation. In 2026, he launched the Jo Mersa Marley Legacy Fund to support young artists.
Meet Her Children
Kertia DeCosta Marley plays a central role as a mother in a creative family. Her children are part of the third generation of Marley talent.
Mystic Marley is a rising artist known for blending reggae with soul and R&B. She released songs like “Beatdown” and is managed by her mother through Small Axe Management. Her music often includes spiritual and emotional themes.
Yohan Marley is also active in music. He combines reggae with modern sounds like pop and dancehall. His songs include “Brick by Brick” and “Good To Be Home,” showing his connection to both tradition and new styles.
Summer Marley focuses more on fashion and lifestyle. She is involve in modeling and creative projects linked to the Marley brand.
The family also includes the late Jo Mersa Marley, who passed away in 2022. Other children and step-children, including Justice and Jeremiah Marley, are part of the extended family. Kertia supports all of them and acts as a strong maternal figure.
Marley Family Legacy, Net Worth, and Final Thoughts
Kertia DeCosta Marley is part of one of the most influential families in music. Through her marriage, she is connected to figures like Ziggy Marley, Cedella Marley, Julian Marley, Ky Mani Marley, and Damian Marley.
The Marley estate is valued at over $500 million, with income coming from music, branding, and global business ventures like House of Marley and Marley Coffee.
Kertia stands out not for fame, but for influence. She manages talent, supports family, and works on meaningful causes. Her life blends Jamaican culture, Miami roots, music industry work, and strong family values.
FAQs
Who is Kertia DeCosta Marley?
Kertia DeCosta Marley is a Jamaican-American music manager and producer. She is best known as the wife of Stephen Marley and the founder of Small Axe Management. She plays an important role behind the scenes in managing and supporting the Marley family’s next generation of talent.
What does Kertia DeCosta Marley do for a living?
Kertia DeCosta Marley works as a music manager and producer. She manages artists, especially her daughter Mystic Marley, and helps with career development, public image, and music projects. She also works on film and music video production within the Marley family network.
How long has Kertia DeCosta Marley been married to Stephen Marley?
Kertia DeCosta Marley has been married to Stephen Marley since 2008. Their marriage has lasted nearly two decades and is known for both personal stability and professional collaboration.
How many children does Kertia DeCosta Marley have?
Kertia DeCosta Marley has several children, including Mystic Marley, Yohan Marley, and Summer Marley. She is also part of a large blended family, supporting Stephen Marley’s children from previous relationships, making her a central maternal figure in the extended Marley family.
What is Kertia DeCosta Marley’s role in the Marley family legacy?
Kertia DeCosta Marley plays a key role in maintaining and growing the Marley legacy. Through her work with Small Axe Management, she helps guide younger Marley artists. She is also involved in philanthropy and environmental causes, supporting the family’s broader mission.
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