Ky-Mani Marley was born in Falmouth, Jamaica, to Anita Belnavis and reggae superstar Bob Marley. At the age of nine, Ky-Mani and his mother relocated to Miami, Florida. In his early youth, Ky-Mani was unaware of his musical abilities, sports being his first love. With his mother's direction, he received piano and guitar lessons and played trumpet in his high school band.
In 2018, Ky-Mani hosted his own festival called The Maestro Marley Cup. This event blends his love of soccer and music. The festival returned to Miami in 2021 and has plans to be an annual event.