Biography

Ras Jahknow brings dynamic, high-energy reggae to audiences worldwide with a stage show guaranteed to uplift and inspire through powerful messages of unity and hope. Founded by Cape Verdean-born Ras Jahknow, the ensemble blazes fresh soul and irresistible rhythms into culturally rich, roots reggae music that bridges contemporary gaps in cultural understanding.

Passionate vocals in English and Creole weave through diverse native sounds from Cape Verde, Brazil, Tanzania, Mauritius, Malaysia, and Australia. The band's multicultural foundation reflects Ras Jahknow's vision of unity, respect, and peace, built on his extensive travels and cultural experiences across numerous countries.

Formation and Early Success

Formed in late 2010, Ras Jahknow quickly cemented themselves as one of Australia's most iconic reggae ensembles. Their breakthrough came with notable appearances including the 2014 Antenna Awards showcase and a performance on ABC TV's popular music quiz show "Spicks and Specks." The band's debut album "Jah Sta Li" was released in May 2014, produced by acclaimed personality Wayne 'Lotek' Bennett at Counter Clockwise Studios. A dub remix followed later that year, with both records receiving airplay across Triple J and hundreds of community radio stations nationally and internationally.

Recognition and Awards

Ras Jahknow's talent has been consistently recognised within Australia's reggae community:

• Music Victoria Genre Award nomination for 'Best Global & Reggae Album' (2015)

• Australia Reggae Radio Music Award for 'Best Reggae Performer/Band of the Year 2015/16' (2017)

• Afroshine Australia Award for 'Excellence in Artistic Talents (Music/Reggae)' (2018)

• Music Victoria Genre Award nomination for 'Best Reggae and Dancehall Act' (2018)

• Award of Excellence for Supporting Community Talents (ACTap, 2019)

• Certificate of Appreciation - African Music and Cultural Festival (Melbourne, 2023)

Festival Highlights and Performances

The band has graced stages at numerous festivals across Australia and internationally, including:

Australian Festivals:

• St Kilda Festival

• Melbourne Moomba Festival

• Strawberry Fields Festival

• Brunswick Music Festival

• Rise Festival (Federation Square)

• Brimbank Festival

• Emerge Festival

• Viva Victoria Festival

• Tanglewood Festival

• Sunraysia Multicultural Festival

• Live n Local Winter Music Festival

• French Festival

• ...and many more

International Showcases:

• Langkawi Island International Music Festival (Malaysia)

• Festival Da Gamboa (Cape Verde)

• Bali Reggae Star (Indonesia)

• Sumba Island (Galamata Stadium, Indonesia)

• Tributo Bob Marley (Cape Verde)

• Lisbon, Portugal

• Waitangi Festival

Cultural and Music Celebrations:

• Black Harmony Gathering

• West African Festival (Immigration Museum)

• Africa Music & Cultural Festival

• Africultures Festival (Sydney)

• Jamaican Music & Food Festival

• Bob Marley Birthday Bash (Corner Hotel)

• Samba Reggae Carnival

Specialty Events:

• Roots Reggae Cruise around Melbourne

Discography and Media

Ras Jahknow has released many singles spanning his career: "You & I" (2011), "Get up & Live" featuring Jason Heerah (2012), "Can't Change Jah Jah Man" and "Let's Unite" (2013), "Erba Internacional" (2014), and "What A Gwan" (2016). All tracks have enjoyed regular airplay on local and international radio stations.

"Jah Sta Li" is available on iTunes and all major digital platforms, while "Jah Sta Li Dub" can be found on Bandcamp. The band's music has also been featured in Australian film productions, further establishing their presence in the mainstream music scene.

The Sound

The organic sound emerges from a collective of talented multi-instrumentalists, each bringing professionally skilled musical backgrounds and performance experience. This diverse lineup creates the rich, layered soundscapes that define Ras Jahknow's distinctive approach to contemporary reggae.

Since the release of "Jah Sta Li," Ras Jahknow has continued to headline major local and international music festivals, spreading their message of cultural unity and positive vibration to audiences across the globe.