4 months ago
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Singer, song-writer, and producer Ras Emmanuel grew up in Central Village, St. Catherine, and started his music career in the early ‘90s. He was discovered by the legendary deejay, I Roy, who brought him to People’s Choice Studio in Spanish Town where he did his first single. Next Door to God. Shortly after, Ras Emmanuel won a nomination on the Red Label contest, representing his St Catherine community.
He migrated to the United States of America in 1997, but his mission was still to pursue his music career. Ras Emmanuel, whose given name is Nasir Gowdie, scored an opportunity to link with SS Entertainment to do a string of singles. He first hit song in New Jersey was titled Loving Enemies, and it featured his wife, Queen Zebulun.
The Nuh Send Nuh Guns to Jamaica singer would go on to win accolades including New Jersey’s Artiste of The Year, Song of The Year, and also the radio award on Roots FM.
He has toured with the famous Easy Star All-Stars Band to Europe, and Australia, and he has also toured throughout the USA.
1. Y ou are a five-time winner of Reggae DJ of the Year for New Jersey. What has enabled you to hold this title so many times?
I feel joyful and very honoured to be the recipient of this prestigious award. I have also received a proclamation from Essex County in New Jersey who recognised my contribution to entertainment in the county and my efforts to promote reggae music here in the diaspora.
2. Y ou have travelled and performed as far away as Australia and Africa. You even own land in Africa. How did this come about?
I have toured Australia where I performed at five shows in Sydney, Queensland and Tasmania. The tour was truly phenomenal. I have been to Africa four times. The first time was in 2018 and then in 2019. Our National Hero Marcus Garvey has inspired my back-to-Africa journey. For Reggae Month this year, I will travel to Gambia where I am booked for two shows. My management is negotiating a few other dates. My bucket list for the remainder of the year is to get a call from Joe [Bogdanovich] to perform at Reggae Sumfest and from Tony Rebel to perform at Rebel Salute, which will happen in Florida for the first time this year.
3. Tell us about your current single, Dancehall Forever
Dancehall Forever is the biggest song right now! It is the lead song from my album of the same name. It blends elements of old ’90s dancehall with the sounds of fresh, contemporary beats. It is a strong endorsement of dancehall music, saying it is alive, healthy and doing well in opposition to a few reggae artistes who have suggested dancehall is dead. It got a big push from DJ Nuffy who premièred it at Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street concert at the National Stadium in Kingston. That feature gave it a global presence and gave it a push that I have to give the Father thanks for. Money could not buy that type of exposure. The truth is that dancehall music lives forever, it doesn’t die. It was Shaggy’s statement about the original dancehall ... saying it is no more ... that inspired the song. Ninety-nine per cent of the people don’t agree with the statement. I am getting excellent feedback around the globe which is magnificent.
4. How did Buju Banton’s younger sister Adena Myrie become part of the project?
Buju’s sister Adena is an excellent singer. From the first time I heard her sing, I was impressed by her voice and phenomenal talent. This was why I included her as a background vocalist on my single. Her pitch and vocal delivery are exceptional. For my next album, I plan to work with her again.
5. You are a Rastafarian and a member of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Has your religion helped your music?
Absolutely. Music is life and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is the moral compass that guides and dictates most of my movement in life. It is reflected in my music and most of my utterances. My Jamaican roots and culture is also a major influence.
English (US) ·