Damian Marley & Nas to Perform 'Distant Relatives' on a Cruise for 10th Anniversary

Marley's Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise will make two journeys in fall 2020.

Nas and Damian Marley's cult classic Distant Relatives album is approaching its tenth anniversary. In honor of the milestone, the duo will be performing the album on Marley's Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise. Performances will take place on back-to-back cruises, from November 30 to December 5, December 5 to December 10. Dancehall legend Shabba Ranks will also perform.

Marley spoke to Billboard about the album's legacy Wednesday. "One of the most important projects I've ever worked on," he said. "It's a cohesive project with a hip-hop legend, where we really complement each other. Distant Relatives was ahead of its time highlighting African culture," Marley said. "As we represent the album again this year, I think more people will discover Distant Relatives and its significance will grow."

Marley's manager Dan Dalton came up with the concept after the two made "Road to Zion." "I thought Damian and Nas should put their efforts into a collaboration centered around Africa," Dalton said. "Nas' rhymes are very street but he has a pan-African consciousness about his music. Today, there's an even greater audience for the conversation [they] pushed about Africa. Their reunion is very exciting and will bring a new demographic to the Welcome to Jamrock cruise."

The cruise will take place aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of Seas. The ship houses 4,370 passengers and sails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Jamaica. The cruise line has sold out each of its annual excursions, months in advance.

The complete lineup will be announced in the near future.

SOURCE: Billboard