Gig - Ras Ric

Ras Ric will be selecting the latest of his ‘Ital and Vital’ reggae nights in the Lansdown this weekend along with guest MCs. “The night is in celebration of the birthday of Haile Selassie, otherwise known as Ras Tafari Makonnen,” he says. “Haile Selassie lives and reigns in the hearts of man,” he continues,“ part of the unbroken line of kings of Ethiopia going back to Solomon, the king of kings, directly related to God and part of the tribe of Judah. Marcus Garvey prophesised that he would arrive from the east, a black messiah. Nyabinghi Rasta were some of the first to follow the Nazarite vow, wearing locks on their head and not shaving their beards, living ital livity (the night’s namesake) and the rasta movement was born. Reggae music grew up out of their beliefs, and for that reason it is known as the King’s Music. So get ready for a night of easy skanking and heavy dub stepping. ”

Ric promises a mixed bag of reggae music, ‘across the board from Studio 1 to modern Jamaican releases.’ He has some pedigree, having performed in England and abroad, with such distinguished reggae artists as Wayne McArthur, Kenny Knots, the Basque Dub Foundation and Shashmani Sound System. “I’ve played at the Lansdown three times before, and the vibe has been well irie,” he says. He will be returning to the same venue as part of the Lewes Guitar Festival on August 3rd. AG