FILE - Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley

MULTIPLE GRAMMY winning reggae artist, Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley, whose newest album Welcome To Jamrock has made him a household name around the world, is one of the major acts to perform at the 2006 Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in July.

The youngest son of the reggae legend, Bob Marley, Damian has been honing his skills and laying the groundwork for the tracks on this indomitable album that has been receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from fans everywhere. Apart from the many rave reviews, it also copped the Best Reggae Album and Best Urban/Alternative Performance awards at the recent Grammy awards.

The Welcome to Jamrock single has surpassed expectations, and is an unrepentant depiction of the poverty and political violence that is so prevalent in Jamaica. The song is also about hope and opening the people's minds to the realities of our day. Following the path blazed by this title track, the other songs like Confrontation, Road To Zion 'Suit There For You and Pimpas Paradise all convey a consciousness that is deeply embedded in his music.

He made noise early on with Mr. Marley in 1996 and his major debut album Half-Way Tree showcased a unique gift for combining harsh reality rhymes and an uncommonly diverse musical ability. For this he picked up a Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2001.

Marley will perform on Saturday, July 22, along with Bajan pop sensation, Rihanna and Jamaica's own, Beres Hammond and Buju Banton, plus several others.

He is set to thrill fans with old and new hits, including the sizzling, 'It Was Written, Educated Fools and There For You