February has been designated as reggae month by the Jamaican government since 2008. It is a moment to pay tribute and celebrate the best legacy of cultural heritage for mankind. There are so many celebrations not only in Jamaica but also around the world.

In this special moment, Ras Muhamad released his latest single titled ‘Kingston JA, Kingston Reggae,’ right on Bob Marley’s birth date, February 6. This is a tribute to the King of Reggae and also to the island of Jamaica, especially to Kingston as the place where reggae was born.

Ras Muhamad said that the song is also a monumental commemoration of his trip 10 years ago to Kingston in March 2015. At that time he received a special invitation from the Jamaica Tourism Board to perform there which also paved the way for his international recognition as a representation of reggae musicians from Indonesia.

As is typical of his character Ras Muhamad with his signature ‘singjaying’ (singing & deejaying) style, combining singing and ‘toasting’ using Bahasa. Through his lyrics, he briefly and concisely summarizes the history and practice of reggae culture from the roots era to dancehall by introducing some of its important figures.

In line with the lyrical message, the music in this song presents various styles ranging from rocksteady (pre-reggae), early reggae, dancehall to roots reggae. Ras Muhamad can be said to be a revivalist where he always keeps the sacred potion of old roots into contemporary taste. Although he is close to dancehall and Sound System culture, he still takes a more holistic and collective approach in his creative process live and in the studio with the organic sound of his backing band ‘Eazy Skankin’ whose members are all from East Nusa Tenggara. In addition to the skanking rhythm of the guitar and keys, there is also a slight flavor of Augustus Pablo-style melodica played by Ras Muhamad himself.

Remaining consistent with a self-determination in his work, this single track was produced independently by Ras Muhamad with Gasa Riddim from Larantuka, Flores and distributed through his own label, ‘Black Coral Music.’

The highlighted significance of this song is Ras Muhamad’s humbleness to admit that his identity and source of creativity are inspired by and indebted to the cultural roots of Jamaica. A positive attitude amidst the rampant annexation and appropriation of Reggae and Rasta culture without proper acknowledgement. Although he has been popular for 20 years working through this genre in the country, he gently sang that “Irama ini milik para Yardie yang tak bisa digenggam” (This rhythm belongs to the Yardies that cannot be grasped). The music and style can be copied, but not the feel.

“I want to remind us all that reggae comes from the ‘Yardies,’ the indigenous people of Jamaica, and it is unbreakable. This rhythm is their heritage that we must preserve and cherish.”

‘Kingston JA, Kingston Reggae’ is a symbol of respect and recognition of the cultural roots that have shaped Ras Muhamad’s musical identity over the years.

With this song he hopes to further elevate reggae music in Indonesia and the world, and continue the struggle to preserve and celebrate the timeless cultural heritage of the music.

[Yedijah]