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NEW YORK, 6 August 2001 - Popular reggae star Ziggy Marley has added his name to a growing number of the world's most respected personalities who have pledged to support action for children as part of a global campaign called Say Yes for Children.

The campaign, which has already gathered over 3 million pledges worldwide since its launch in April, asks people to support 10 principles to improve and protect the lives of children around the world.

Other prominent individuals who have publicly endorsed the effort include Muhammad Ali, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas, Melanie Griffith, Nelson Mandela and Sebastião Salgado. Ziggy recorded a promotional television spot for the campaign in July.

Ziggy Marley was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1968, the oldest son of reggae legend Bob Marley, who died in 1981, and his wife Rita. He was originally named David, but goes by the nickname Ziggy in honour of the Ziggy character created by rock star David Bowie.

Ziggy learned to play the guitar and drums from his father and from the age of 10 sat in on the recording sessions for his father's popular band, the Wailers. In 1979, he got his first commercial 'break' when his father brought together Ziggy, his sister Cedelia, brother Stephen and half-sister Sharon in the studio to record the single "Children Playing in the Streets."

This event spawned a new generation of reggae musicians in the family, and the four, dubbed the Melody Makers, have continued to make music since.

Ziggy Marley was the natural heir to the Reggae music throne left vacant by his father. He has juggled the demands of being a second-generation star with continuing the style's traditions and expanding reggae music to a new audience, with considerable success.

Along with the Melody Makers, Ziggy has scored a US Top 40 single and has received the music world's top honours - Grammy Awards for the songs, "Conscious Party" and "One Bright Day."

Ziggy has continued the Marley tradition of political activism. He serves as a Goodwill Youth Ambassador for the United Nations and has formed U.R.G.E (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization devoted to bringing relief to suffering and disadvantaged people around the world. He also established the Ghetto Youth United record label in Kingston to record the next generation of reggae music.

Look who's saying Yes for Children:
What do Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, and the Muppets all have in common? They all believe in changing the world with children.