Shanelle Mitchell, "Princess Kazayah," was born & raised in the city of Evanston, IL which borders Chicago, IL. She was born to two Jamaican parents making her a 1st generation Jamaican born in the United States. She grew up in the 7th Day Adventist Church from her youth where she sang regularly which has given Kazayah a foundation to her growth as a singer. In her music there is a deep spiritual essence. After connecting with local producer Ras Wadadah II, who exposed her to original roots-reggae, she found a deep love for Roots-Reggae music. Her music is regarded as angelic, inspiring and positive when hearing her soft melodic voice and her uplifting lyrics inspiring the listeners. . .
KAZAYAH
Andre ‘Ras I-Dre’ Welch was born in Kingston, Jamaica and grew up in the 90’s in Kingston 13. At a young age I-Dre was exposed to the explosion of dancehall music and sound-system culture by being around his uncle ‘Bumpy’ who was a selector for a well-known Kingston sound-system called ‘Agony Sound.’ As I-Dre grew up his passion for music grew as well. After learning basic skills such as how to operate sound equipment from his uncle Bumpy he was given the opportunity to play music on the same Agony Sound and he began on his journey as a “selector” (DJ) naming his self “DJ Rasta.” After his experiences with sound-systems, which led him to be apart of a Chicago based sound, “Imperial Sound,” I-Dre began to expand within music by developing songs of his own. Heavily influenced by Rastafari and artists such as Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton & many more; He started to sing melodies “and lyrics came next,” as he said. . .
RAS I-DRE
Nego Hights "The Warrior" was born in the Caribbean/Central American country of Belize. He was raised in the quaint and rather quiet village of Biscayne located in the northern half of the Belize District. Nego Hights was born in a time when it was not the norm to wear dread locks, however the positive, out spoken “truths & rights” musical stories of the Great Peter Tosh and Legendary Bob Marley soon caught his attention. This was the base on which a subconscious decision was made to become an artist. Over time the dream would dwindle as school was the main focus but during his last year in high school he was exposed to the fiery sounds of Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton & Anthony B. It was at this point he embraced the Rastafari way of life. The Warrior specializes in a blend of modern roots & culture reggae and dancehall. Nego Hights brings a raspy and melodious style, which complements his direct and intensely positive lyrical content. Like a breath of fresh air he prides himself in bringing back music with a purpose and capturing the essence of the beauty within. This fresh face to the music scene promises to be one of the most positive and upfull in these times.
NEGO HIGHTS
Born and raised outside of Chicago, Ras Arcane was inspired by a diverse musical background from an early age. While studying Philosophy and Religion at college in Florida during the late 90’s and early 2000’s, he began his journey into writing, producing, and recording his own music. Those influences tapped into both personal and shared experiences, causing Ras Arcane to focus on music as a vehicle for expression as he began his professional career. A primary emphasis on lyricism arose out of a deep appreciation for the genres of hip-hop and reggae music, their connection, and the strong, creative cultural content.
RAS ARCANE
Wadadah II [Selector-DJ/Producer/Songwriter/Engineer/Radio Host] was born in the United States of two Jamaican parents in the city of Evanston right outside of Chicago, Illinois. Wadadah from his infancy was exposed to the culture and way of life called RasTafari being already heavily rooted in Jamaican culture and customs due to his two Jamaican parents. Wadadah II is a roots-reggae, dub, rockers, lovers rock & positive dancehall sound system selector for Black Sabbath Sound [Chicago]. Wadadah II also produces various projects for D.O.V.E. Muzik as well being the recording and mixing engineer as in the studio. Wadadah is also a radio host and has a show called "Roots Revival Fridays" on 88.5FM WHPK Chicago. . .
WADADAH II
