One Love for Bob Marley’s licensed merchandise

New York, February 11: Bob Marley's name will soon appear on apparels, shoes, food items, stationary, musical instruments after his family struck a merchandise deal with a private equity group.

Hilco Consumer Capital has been roped in by the Marley family to handle licensing of the late reggae singer’s likeness, trademarks and themes.

"We're open to licensing just about anything," said Marley’s eldest daughter Cedella. But she added: "If it is not right, we will not do it."

Besides etching the Jamaican legend’s name on a variety of merchandise, the group will also license products under the names of Tuff Gong, One Love, Three Little Birds, Catch A Fire and Relics of Antiquity.

Bob Marley lager and coffee will be among the first items to make it to the shelves and other products tagged with the singer’s name and songs will soon follow.

Hilco Consumer Capital, has reportedly acquired half the House of Marley LLC for $20 million. It would get a royalty of 5-10 percent on sales of licensed products, said a source familiar with the matter.

The House of Marley will sell the rights to produce goods bearing the music legend's name and image and some of his best-known tunes.

A children's book called ‘Three Little Birds’ has already been published. It is based on the anthem of the same name, known for its catchphrase -- "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing's gonna be all right."

Cadella Marley suggested that it could be expanded into a whole new range of toys, clothes and other items for children.

Also, they are seeking to open global chain of One Love cafes where people can "come, eat good Jamaican food, talk about the music, listen to the music, live bands".

"That's something that we've always wanted to explore," said Cadella. "We're talking [about] all over the world - one in London, one in Asia, one in Amsterdam."

A Bob Marley Resort & Spa already exists in the Bahamas, and it could be sprouted into a chain of Marley hotels.

“We want our legacy and our name to be firm in the world," said Rohan Marley, 36.

According to Cadella, even after 30 years of her father’s death, people's interest in him continues to mount. "The things that dad spoke about are still the things that we all need to fix and work on," she said.

Marley, credited with getting the world interested in Jamaican music, died of cancer in 1981. He was 36.

Over the years, people have been using his name and image to promote their goods; his family finally decided to curb that. "This is a big business for bootleggers," said Cadella. "We want to stop some of the nonsense, and make sure the great stuff upholds our standards. We're in control."