Two-time Grammy-nominated artist Julian “JuJu Royal” Marley spoke with Orange County students, who he considers to be society’s promising future, on June 13.
Logging into Zoom from Miami, Marley was the most recent guest speaker to be featured in a series called Careers Without Borders, a program created in 2020 within the Alternative, Community and Correctional Educational Schools and Services program, or ACCESS, at the Orange County Department of Education.
Launched by Assistant Superintendent Vern Burton and Special Education Coordinator Dr. Nathan Goodly, the program was designed to open students up to different career paths and instill confidence in their personal journeys.
The interviews allow students in alternative education the opportunity to gain insight on the humble beginnings of successful guest speakers. Since last summer, the program has been able to book American Ballet Theatre dancer Misty Copeland, actors Danny Trejo and William Allen Young, civil rights activist Sylvia Mendez and, most recently, Marley.
“He is an accomplished musician in his own right,” said Goodly. “Many of our staff and students are fans of reggae music. Everyone related to Julian’s positive message and humble demeanor.”
Carrying on Bob Marley’s legacy
Following in the footsteps of his father, reggae-music icon Bob Marley, Julian Marley learned how to play the keyboard, drums, bass and guitar at an early age.
“As far as I can remember, music has always been in the forefront of what I’ve always loved and always wanted to be a part of,” said Marley. “I remember hearing the songs my father played and the positivity that he put into his music.”
Despite having earned two Grammy Award nominations and representing the Jamaican government with a performance at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Marley says his mission isn’t to gain fame, but to live and sing with purpose.
Marley’s newest album “Colors of Royal” launched in March. The artist said the writing process for this album was very different from how he’s written songs in the past. He drew inspiration from other genres that he enjoys listening to, but also remained true to reggae.
“This album takes listeners on a journey through sound and color,” said Marley. “This music represents the true version of me that not many get to see. I’ve never shared this until now. This will give people a glimpse into my heart.”
Before he parted ways, Marley reminded the students about the importance of following their dreams, studying what they love and working together to create a better world.
“Reggae reminds us to be true to ourselves and to give back because of the act of giving is the true reward,” said Marley.
Students and their families can tune into the Careers Without Borders speaker series and learn more here.