5 Questions With Ras-I

In 2024, Ras-I, the singer who makes music to uplift and enlighten, won Best New Reggae Artist at the Caribbean Music Awards. One year later, he was nominated for the prestigious Reggae Impact Award by the same organisation, in acknowledgement of the successes he has achieved in the music industry so far.

Not one to sit idly on his laurels, that recognition served as a motivator for the young man christened Immanuel Kerr. A multi-instrumentalist who takes his craft seriously, Ras-I proved his mettle with his début album, Tsojourna, “a collection of original roots reggae with a twist.” Ras-I is embedded in roots, but it is that “twist,” as he calls it – or that genre-blending fusion – that sets him apart and makes people stop, look, listen, and then listen some more. And that’s exactly what they did when Ras-I released his follow-up album, the critically acclaimed Kingman, in 2022.

Still on his expansive sojourn, Ras-I is steadfastly and firmly stamping his brand on music with a global appeal, delivering songs that he will be proud to sing 20 years from now – a piece of cherished advice he received from the maestro himself, Beres Hammond. According to his bio, Ras-I “draws from the exemplary influences of reggae veterans like The Abyssinians, Brigadier Jerry, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, U Roy, and Peter Tosh, as well as artistes like Smokey Robinson and Teddy Pendergrass”.

Meticulously curating a body of work that speaks his intent and purpose, he has standout songs such as Kingman Ting, Keep the Bounce, Somewhere Wonderful, and If You Don’t Mind.

Extremely noteworthy is that his song Somewhere Wonderful was chosen by the Jamaica Tourist Board as the official soundtrack for its 2025 Easter campaign. It has been a busy year for the young reggae troubadour, who was happy to sit down for this week’s 5 Questions With ... feature.

What is the significance of the name Ras-I and to what extent are you living it?

Well it’s pretty simple actually. Born and raised as a Rasta and my first name is Immanuel. I’m still being true to my roots, living it up and waving the Rasta banner and spreading the consciousness through my music.

Would you say that music was your destiny and if yes, why?

It’s definitely my destiny. I’m a studio baby; so I was raised around, and by, several great singers and players of instruments.

What has been the trajectory of your career since you released ‘Kingman’?

Steadily climbing and fitting the pieces together. Songs like Somewhere Wonderful and Kingman Ting changed my life and opened many doors for me and my team and I continue to build on that and maintain the standards

You are currently promoting ‘Rastafari In Charge’ which features Munga Honorable. How did the idea for this feel-good track manifest, and were people surprised by a Munga and Ras-I collab?

One day as soon as I pulled up to the studio, Keneil [of Koastal Kings] said ‘Ras-I mi have a mad idea.’ We started trading melodies and the words ‘ bad energy deh pan pause ‘cause Rastafari in charge’ just came out, and we all started dancing and vibing. I always wanted to collaborate with Munga and I immediately phoned him and sent him the rough cut. Though everyone was getting ready to go home, Munga messaged back asking for the studio location. He pulled up 10 minutes later and recorded his parts. Growing up, Munga was a major influence on my music, so to record a track of this magnitude with him is incredibly special. Much respect to him.

(a). Your song ‘Somewhere Wonderful’ was used for a JTB campaign across major markets. Was this a bucket list moment for you and how was the experience?

Definitely a bucket list moment for me. I’ve always said it was the [Jamaica] Tourist Board anthem even before it became official. It’s good to know that corporate is willing to support the culture once it is packaged the right way

(b) Share with us some of the other projects and releases that will keep you busy until year end.

Well, I am currently gearing up for the release of my third studio album. Just putting the finishing touches and working on the rollout plan with my team. I am very excited to share this project with the world, and it clearly demonstrates significant progress in my musical journey.

BRAWTA

What would fans be surprised to know about Ras-I?

I think people would be most surprised to know that, as a Jamaican, and it is avocado season, I do not under any circumstances eat avocado.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com