Bob Marley’s record label, founded in Jamaica in 1970, was called Tuff Gong.
The name came from Marley’s nickname, “Tuff Gong,” which reflected his reputation for resilience. Tuff Gong became closely associated with Marley and The Wailers’ recordings, publishing, and wider musical business.
The label’s history is connected with Jamaica’s recording industry, where artists often worked through producers, studios, and independent labels before gaining international distribution. Marley’s partnership with Island Records helped bring his albums to global audiences, but Tuff Gong remained his own important label identity.
Tuff Gong is sometimes mistaken for Island Records because Island distributed several internationally successful Marley albums. Island was the major international partner; Tuff Gong was Marley’s Jamaican label and business brand.