A message of love and unity is what Bob Marley's second youngest son wants to spread to the world through his music.

Ky-Mani – the name means adventurous traveller – creates music that might not be typical of one with the Marley surname. He says his music is a collaboration of all types, not necessarily fitting in the reggae mould.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette yesterday at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Mr. Marley spoke about his upcoming performance at last night's Street Fest, being a Marley and the style of music he has chosen to record.

Mr. Marley said: "I am here to represent my father and his legacy. It is music about love and unity. Fighting for what you believe in and unity. I am here to present that cause."

He talked a little bit about his role in the Jamaican film, 'Shottas' alongside Spragga Benz, Wyclef Jean and Tyson Beckford.

He played a Jamaican shotta, or gangster, Biggs, in the film. He admitted that on first look some people saw it as violent, before they realised the message behind it.

"It's just what we face as people in Jamaica. It's a political struggle. People are under pressure to do the next best thing," he said in reference to the gang activity on his island and that depicted in the film.

Asked why he thinks the youth of Bermuda should listen to his message of unification, the artist said: "I think they will listen because I can relate from a grassroots level. I can speak because I've seen it, I know it. Sitting down I know it. I feel as though I'm a product of unity.

"I think you can overcome. A lot of people didn't think I would make it."

As to the violence in Bermuda, Mr. Marley said: "I know violence tears families apart on both sides of things, from the victim and the criminal.

"From the eighties, we do speak of the revolution, stand up and fight for your right. But black on black violence has no purpose. Violence is a thing that stems from hate. It takes so much energy to hate and ultimately, it brings down your spirit."

He continued: "To where we as a people are coming from, we can overcome with the fact that we have Barack Obama as the new President-elect.

"We have progressed in society. We don't need segregation. Unification, that's where it is."

Speaking on his music, Mr. Marley explained his style is a mix of genres, that he has essentially created his own.

"My music is about the reality of what I see in front of me."

Asked his favourite songs to perform, the 32-year-old laughed and said he doesn't have just one.

"'Dear Dad' – I wrote it when I was very young. It means a lot to me. It's a personal letter from me to my dad. Many people can relate."

He said another favourite is 'Hey', a song similar in sound to alternative top 40 music.

The artist laughed again and said: "It will take you there. I like to push the envelope."

His final favourite song on his album 'Radio' is 'The March'.

Asked on how it is being a Marley in the music industry, Mr. Marley said: "I think it's a double-bladed sword. I feel as though sometimes just me being myself, I had to fight to be myself.

"People think that because of my last name, I lived on top of a hill and I was brought up with a silver spoon in my mouth.

"People have a lot of expectations and say the song should sound like this or like that. But being the rebellious kid that I am, I was raised in the inner city. I woke up to crackheads everyday and went to sleep to crackheads every night. I've had my own life experiences.

"I've got to the point where people need to realise, 'that's him'. I set my own expectations. I set the bar high."

As to his musical future, Mr. Marley said: "I think greater things are to come. I just have to find the right formula. I really believe there are greater things. My only competition is me.

"I'm all about the craft, the music, the soul and the spirit. My journey is already set for me. I just have to stay on the path."

Mr. Marley was the featured artist in last night's Street Fest, an annual event organised by Gina Spence Productions. The free concert in Union Square also included performances by the Bermuda Regiment and Pipe Band, Septimus, Lady Tyson and various choirs.