Ras-I returns to Reggae Sumfest
Reggae artiste Ras-I says music lovers can expect a memorable set as he makes his return to the Reggae Sumfest stage after seven years.
The crooner is set to perform on Saturday night.
“Rehearsals have been good. My outfit is sorted out; it’s just performance time now. Patrons can expect some positive, conscious, feel-good music, but the energy will still be potent. When they leave, they will remember the name Ras-I,” he told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash.
Other acts set to grace the Catherine Hall stage between tonight and tomorrow are Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Beres Hammond, Dexta Daps, YG Marley, Capleton, Anthony B, D’Yani, Turbulence, Nigy Boy, Munga Honourable, Norris Man, Teejay, Aidonia, , 450, Luciano, Kraff, Valiant, Sevana, among others.
Ras-I, whose real name is Immanuel Kerr, has been in the industry for over 10 years.
The singer, who also did a voice training course at Avant Music Academy, is the son of Lorna Wainwright, who worked for many years with the Marley-owned Tuff Gong Group of Companies. His father, Osmond Kerr, is a former footballer who turned out for Harbour View in the Major League.
Meanwhile, Ras-I reasoned that there are key elements for executing exceptional live performances.
“You have to be able to deliver your lyrics just like how they sound on the record. You have to deliver it on stage, or even better. You have to bring energy, but that doesn’t mean going out there and running up and down; you have to train so that you have the endurance to move around and dance on the stage and deliver your lyrics like how you’re supposed to,” he said.
Ras-I is nominated in the Best New Reggae Artiste category for the Caribbean Music Awards.
Reggae Sumfest, dubbed the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth, kicked off on Sunday with a Family Fun Day, followed by Monday’s Street Dance, and the all-white Blitz party on Tuesday night. Wednesday night featured the Global Sound Clash, while the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival was held on Thursday.