Biography

Iconic Melbourne reggae ensemble Ras Jahknow Band, bring their dynamic, high-energy, positive music to the people with a stage show guaranteed to uplift and inspire with their powerful messages.

Ras Jahknow blazes new soul and fresh rhythms into what is described best as culturally rich, roots reggae music. Passionate vocals in English and Creole weave through the diverse native sounds from the African island nation of Cape Verde, Brazil, Tanzania, Mauritius and Malaysia to Australia. The band embodies a vision of unity, respect and peace, built on the foundation of irresistible, reggae rhythms.

Cape Verdean born Ras Jahknow formed the band in late 2010, and they have since cemented themselves as one of Melbourne’s most iconic reggae ensembles, showcasing at 2014 Antenna Awards, performing on ABC TV (Spicks And Specks) the Australia's most popular quiz show and appearing at numerous Australia's and international festivals such as:

• Brimbank Festival

• Black Harmony Gathering

• The West African Festival – Immigration Museum

• Emerge Festival

• Rise Festival – Federation Square

• Viva Victoria Festival

• Waitangi Festival

• French Fest

• Bob Marley Birthday Bash – Corner Hotel

• Africa Music & Cultural Festival

• Africultures Festival – Sydney

• Strawberry Fields Festival

• Tanglewood Festival

• Jamaican Music & Food Festival

• St Kilda Festival

• Brunswick Music Festival

• Sunraysia Multicultural Festival

• Roots Reggae Cruise around Melbourne

• Live n Local Winter Music Festival

• Langkawi Island International Music Festival

• Samba Reggae Carnival

• Melbourne Moomba Festival

• Bali Reggae Star - Indonesia

• Festival Da Gamboa (Cape Verde)

• Lisbon - Portgual

• and many more...

Ras Jahknow has spent time in numerous countries abroad, developing a rounded, cultural understanding, and through the Ras Jahknow Band, he aims to bridge the contemporary gaps in cultural understanding and unity.

Ras Jahknow Band released their debut album “Jah Sta Li” in May 2014, followed by a dub remix released later the same year. Both records were produced by acclaimed personality Wayne ‘Lotek’ Bennett at Counter Clockwise Studios. Current releases have enjoyed airplay across national radio such as Triple J and hundreds of Community radio stations both nationally and abroad.

2015 saw the band release a film clip for ‘Jah Sta Li’, embarking on a the Victorian ‘Jah Live’ tour to celebrate the single’s success. In mid 2015, Ras Jahknow was nominated for a Music Victoria Genre Award for ‘Best Global & Reggae Album’.

In 2017, Ras Jahknow humbly accepted the Award for Best Reggae Performer/Band of the year 2015/16 at the Australia Reggae Radio Music Awards.

Afroshine Australia Awards - Excellence Artistic Talents (Music/Reggae) 2018.

Ras Jahknow was nominated for a Music Victoria Genre Award for ‘Best Reggae and Dancehall Act) 2018.

Ras Jahknow received an Award of excellence for support the Community Talents 2019 (ACTap)

‘Jah Sta Li’ is available for download on iTunes and all major digital online outlets. ‘Jah Sta Li Dub’ is now available via Bandcamp.

The organic sound is a product of the many talented musicians who have music and performance in their blood. All members are multi-instrumentalists and come from professionally skilled music backgrounds.

Ras Jahknow has released six stellar singles ‘You & I’ in 2011 and ‘Get up & Live’ Feat. Jason Heerah in 2012, ‘Can’t Change Jah Jah Man’, ‘Let’s Unite’ 2013, 'Erba Internacional’ in 2014, ‘What A Gwan’ 2016, all having regular airplay on local and international radios. Ras Jahknow’s Album ‘JAH STA LI’ & ‘JAH STA LI’ Dub Album are both available now.