Ras Negus

Ras Negus entered this earth on April 9, in Kingston Jamaica. As a young man he loved to sing. He first sang in church under the guidance of his mother. In 1977 he sung at the ‘All School Musical Fiesta’ held at the National Stadium in Kingston. While he attended Kingston College he was a member of the Chapel Choir, later he graduated from Kingston College in 1984. Even though he studied faithfully he could not have a blind eye to the deep political issues growing in his country.
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Growing up in Whithfield Town, Kingston 13, one of the roughest parts of Kingston, Ras Negus saw how the political issues directly affected his life in and out of his immediate family. It is from this perspective which inspires the majority of his lyrics. In 1983, three years after the General Elections were held in Jamaica, Ras Negus went into the dancehall. Mentors like Dennis Brown, Philip Frasier, Michael Prophet, Michael Palmer, Half Pint, Junior Reid, Sugar Minott, and Tenor Saw he had the musical enlightenment he needed. He was given the name Steve Martin, by DJ Joe Mannix who introduced him to Muzik Merchant Sound were he sung with Red Dragon and Sanchez. Later he linked up with Stereo One Sound with Lt. Stichie and Wolf Man. As everyone around him was making there mark in the music business, Ras Negus was celebrating the birth of his son in 1985. In1986 after earning his way into reggae music Ras Negus performed in Bermuda on an International Tour with DJ Rupie Culture and Jockie-Nock-Shot (High Plains Drifter) and Producer Donavon McKoy. Late in 1986 he went to America to be with his family and promote his career even further.
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After arriving in America his responsibilities to his growing family proved greater than the unstable financial life of the music business. In the 13 years that followed he was not in the studio but the studio was most certainly in him, writing more than 50 songs and dozens of punch lines once again using life as a catalyst for his lyrics. In addition to writing and singing his own lyrics Ras Negus realizes the importance of knowing all aspects of the music business as he also creates the rhythms for his lyrics and founded Base 13 Productions with help from friends in Kingston Jamaica.
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After fully committing himself to Rastafari he was given a clearer vision and guidance in life. Appreciative that Jah had given him this talent as an artist, he knows he must fulfill the prophecy that Haile Selassie has given to him. This tranquil and insightful way of life has inspired him to write and record the title song on his first CD ‘Break Down Barriers’ in 1995 at King Jammys Studio, Firehouse Kingston. This song has great meaning for Ras NEGUS as the song insinuates that all obstacles in life should be trampled to uphold what is truly and morally correct.
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In 1999, Ras NEGUS linked up with Jah Kettle and did his first combination song ‘Who’s Gonna Be My Empress’ at Junior Reid’s One Blood Studio in Kingston, Jamaica. His single ‘Be Or Be Not’ was recorded in 2002 at Ed Robinson’s Tiftam Production and Studio, Brooklyn, NY. After a few additional recordings 'Break Down Barriers' was ready for release in November 2002.
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For the year 2003 Ras NEGUS was once again in the studio recording his 2nd CD entitled ‘Conquer’ with the title track of the same name. This song was recorded with Derrick Barnett at OBI 2 Studio, Brooklyn, NY . Three additional recordings including a remix with Jah Kettle recorded in Kingston, Jamaica. Performing on Everton Blender’s Annual show on November 29, 2003 and STING 2003 solidified Ras NEGUS as the name to know for the future.
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The start of 2004 has set the tone for Ras NEGUS with the release of his first Music Video in Kingston Jamaica. The video 'Who's Gonna Be My Empress (remix 2K4)' premiered on D&L Cable, Channel 30 television Thursday, February 5, 2004. Jah has also brought forth a band to compliment Ras NEGUS's strong voice, Vital Dub has embraced and grown to truly fulfill and round out Base 13 Production. His 2nd CD ‘Conquer’ was released with 15 tracks April 2004.
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September 2004 has initiated yet another CD for Ras NEGUS. 'Never Simply Stated' is only in print at this time with Studio recording time planned for late Fall 2004.
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As the trees are to the earth Ras NEGUS is to music, firmly planted and consistently sprouting towards the sky.