Julian Marley brings reggae for good to Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Global and Grammy-winning reggae artist Julian Marley will perform for the first time in this city and the Visayas on May 24, marking a new chapter for Bacolod as a destination for international music and cultural tourism.

The concert follows Marley’s scheduled appearance at the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival on May 23 in Intramuros, Manila, where Julian Marley and The Uprising are among the headliners.

As the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, Julian, also a songwriter and producer, uses his music not just as entertainment but as a tool for positive change — spreading messages of love, unity, and social responsibility worldwide.

Marley won the 2024 Grammy Award for best reggae album for “Colors of Royal,” his collaboration album with Antaeus, according to the Recording Academy.

Augusto Chavez of Palawan Sound Project, who is also a music producer, said he felt a sense of familiarity upon arriving here.

“I feel I can do something here,” he said, explaining his decision to bring Julian’s reggae music to the local stage.

More than just a concert, the one-night-only event aims to share a portion of its proceeds with Kalipay Negrense Foundation and the Centre for Sustainability.

Kalipay Negrense Foundation is a Bacolod-based nonprofit organization that supports disadvantaged and at-risk children, including those who are homeless, abandoned, neglected, malnourished, abused, victims of child labor and trafficking, and foundlings.

The Centre for Sustainability is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and community-driven solutions for long-term ecological impact.

In a recent media briefing, Chavez said Julian and his two brothers have a foundation similar to what Kalipay Negrense Foundation is doing.

He said they believe music has a purpose, and the goal is to help address environmental and social issues through music.

“This is not only music, but a commitment for social and the environment,” he added.

Known for his commitment to humanitarian efforts, youth empowerment, and global awareness, Julian has been actively involved in initiatives that support education in underserved communities, community upliftment programs in Jamaica and across regions he has visited, environmental awareness and sustainability, and peace, unity, and cultural consciousness.

This initiative reflects his long-standing commitment to using music as a platform for social good, supporting communities, raising awareness, and inspiring positive change wherever he performs.

Annette Gatuslao of Kalipay Negrense Foundation said the common ground among them is their mission to build a better community not just in Negros Occidental, but also in other countries.

“We have the same mission of not just protecting children, but also our resources. That’s why we are very happy for having this partnership with them,” she added.

The city is the only additional stop on Julian’s Philippine visit, making this a rare opportunity for fans outside Manila following his appearance at the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival.

Chavez considered this a big responsibility and a challenge, but said he is happy to be here and hopes it will be the first of many.

The concert, dubbed “Julian Marley and the Uprising Live in Bacolod,” will be held at Acacia Hotel Convention Hall at 6 p.m.

Joining him are Filipino reggae artists The Wicked Tarsiers and Tropical Depression.

Gates open at 4:20 p.m.

Ryan Saez, organizer from Head Rush Productions, said they expect about 1,500 attendees at the venue.

Ticket prices are PHP 25,000 for a VIP table, including VIP passes and one premium bottle; PHP 3,500 for VIP standing; and PHP 1,500 for general admission.

Tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmelon and at official ticket outlets Gutterground at the Art District, Coffee Culture’s Lacson, Shopping and Alijis branches, and Lunar.

The first bar tour was held on April 24 at Coffee Culture Lacson, followed by another on May 9 at Lunar.