R A S M I C H A E L

Ras Michael is a key element is the Foundation of Roots Reggae music from Jamaica. Reggae is rooted in groundations or gatherings where rasta youths and elders alike would come together. Amongst a blazing fire and chant and gave praises upon a host of hinghi drums. With its central focus of the heart-beat rythmic sounds and with clouds of smoke billowing into the cool air of dusk, Anchient African rythms would mystically revive the natural environment and echo through the hills. This is where the young ras recieved his anointing and became inspired amongst anchient elders such as Mortimer Planner, Ras Daniel, and brother Imes. Since that time the binghi drum, the original "instrument of ten strings," has become internationally interwoven with the name Ras Michael.

He has worked with the likes of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, The Wailers, Burning Spear, Stevie Wonder and Billy Paul. He once opened for the musically talented Toberta Flack at the National Stadium in Jamaica where thousands attended the magnificent show.

In the early 60s, he formed the Sons of Negus, a group of drummers and singers. Grounded in the livity of His Imperial Majesty Empereor Haile Selassie I. Through his I-vine inspiration the Zion Disc label was founded, and started to release a series of singles including 'Lion of Judah', 'Ethiopian National Anthem' and 'Salvation'. These recordings, in which the group was augmented by guitar and bass, show a remarkable degree of invention and subtiety. Around 1966, he recorded at Studio One as a percussionist, playing with Jackie Mittoo and the Soul Vendors in exchange for studio time. In the early 70's he recorded Dadawah Peace and Love, in which his group collaborated with studio musicians to blend a pure form of Rastafarian chant with the latestand greatest roots reggae. Colored by soulful riffs and engineering ahead of its time the album was greatly enhanced with its imaginative arrangements. It was then teleased in the later part of the 1970's. The album was such a hit it made news in the higly acclaimed "Billboard Magazine", the industry periodical. Ras Michael & the Sons of Negus again linked up with the likes of studio musicians Sly & Robbie for 1978's Kabir Am Lak (Glory to God) with percussions from one other than the "Stepping Razor" himself, Peter Tosh. Ge went on to record a single entitled "Children of the Universe", with back up sounds of the original "Wailers". This musical master has done work with the greatest in the Reggae music industry.

In the 1980's Ras Michael received many awards including the Martin's International Award for The Most Cultural Music Roots Band. He was also nominated for the Peter Tosh Award during his reign in the 80's. Ras has over 14 albums to date. While touring in Paris the legendary Rastafarian Bob Marley; Bob was asked to comment on the talent of Ras Michael as a performer and he replied, "Ras Michael is a roots master and a Niyabinghi specialist. He tells you like it is".

He is also featured in the British Guiness Book of World Records on Reggae music coming out of Jamaica. Ras Michael has toured the US, Europe and Japan and is know worldwide, likewise is his music which is at the heart of the African Diaspora. In a time when commercial music is backed by promoters and consumers alike and has become the norm of the music industry. Ras Michael's deeply authentic brand of Niyabinghi Roots Rasta music is bound to uplift all who are blessed to be here today. Ras Michael has been involved in the ongoing creation and setup of "The Ras Michael & Son of Negus Culture Center" in Kingston, Jamaica. The foundation has been laid, with the much needed support it will be completed, for with JAH all things are possible. So let the Roots Master, the Niyabinghi specialist RAS MICHAEL and his talented band of instrumentalist move you in a positive vibration.