Ras Jammy Interview: A Reggae Producer’s Journey with Major Lazer, Chronixx, Protoje, and Sizzla

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Reggae music, with its rhythmic grooves and soulful messages, has a unique power to unite people across the globe. In the heart of this genre’s vibrant landscape stands Ras Jammy, a renowned reggae producer who has left an indelible mark on the industry. Jammy’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, having worked with major artists like Major Lazer, Chronixx, Protoje, and Sizzla.

In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into his world, exploring his musical roots, career highlights, and the magic he brings to reggae production.

Ras Jammy, Suns of Dub Founder : New Wave in Caribbean Music

Suns of Dub isn’t your typical music group; they’re a groundbreaking label, a dynamic performing dub-production team, and a force of innovation in the world of music. Led by the creative minds of Ras Jammy and Addis Pablo, son of the Melodica/Dub legend Augustus Pablo, Suns of Dub has embarked on a unique journey, fusing dub-influenced genres with live instruments and the original Rockers Reggae sound. They’ve taken the dub style to new heights, blending in fresh ideas and pushing the boundaries of musical creativity. Their live performances incorporate melodica, steeply, nyabinghi drums, dubbing, vinyl, deejaying, and composition, forming a musical entity like no other.

Within their musical realm, Suns of Dub has nurtured a community of talented musicians, producers, and artists. This collective includes names like Jah Bami, Roots by Nature, Masia One, and Valdo, among others. Together, they offer a diverse range of shows, from soulful melodica performances and vibrant reggae drum & bass to electrifying electronic dance music. The possibilities are truly endless, as they seamlessly blend various styles into their unique sound.

The story of Suns of Dub began in 2010 when Addis Pablo crossed paths with Trinidadian promoter/producer RasJammy TriniYard during a visit to Jamaica. Jammy, a young entrepreneur and avid dub enthusiast, would go on to become the group’s manager, deejay, and co-producer, coining the term “Suns of Dub” and turning their musical dreams into reality. Their mission was clear: to present dub reggae in a fresh, new-age format while preserving the classic Rockers International essence.

Over the years, Suns of Dub has created a vast catalog of music, boasting over 100 pieces in the form of Mixtapes, EPs, Compilations, Singles, and Downloads. They’ve collaborated with globally acclaimed artists, including Major Lazer, Chronixx, Protoje, Mighty Crown, Inner Circle, and many more. Their refreshing Caribbean sound has touched the hearts of rockers and dub enthusiasts worldwide, as they continue to expand their music to a global network of fans.

Suns of Dub achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their first Vinyl Record, ‘Selassie Souljahz in Dub,’ through Royal Order Music. In 2013, they embarked on an independent promotional tour in Europe, earning accolades from BBC 1XTRA’s ‘Sir David Rodigan MBE,’ who hailed it as one of the best dub records since the days of King Tubby and Augustus Pablo. Their European tour showcased Addis’s masterful melodica skills and Jammy’s soul-shaking dub performances.

In a surprising move in 2013, Suns of Dub expanded their reach by collaborating with the world-renowned DJ Walshy Fire of Major Lazer to release the self-titled mixtape ‘Major Lazer presents – Suns of Dub.’ This groundbreaking mixtape was praised for its progressive sound and innovative take on dub reggae.

2014 marked the release of Addis Pablo’s highly anticipated melodica album, ‘In My Father’s House,’ in collaboration with the ‘Jah SolidRock’ label. The year also saw a series of short documentaries, vinyl releases, interviews, and soft releases that further promoted the Suns of Dub collective. They’ve shared stages with Skrillex, Major Lazer, The Roots, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, and graced countless music festivals across the globe.

In 2015, Suns of Dub expanded their live performances, introducing a wider range of styles to their repertoire. They embarked on a UK promotional tour and launched their own special event, the ‘Rockers International Dub Week.’ ‘Rockers Month’ in June brought the release of Radio Kangol, a new Radio Streaming platform featuring a Rockers International Station curated by Suns of Dub.

Their success continued to skyrocket as Addis Pablo and members of Suns of Dub, such as Jah Bami, Valdo, and Jammy, appeared in Vogue Magazine’s July 2015 US edition. They also made high-profile appearances on international television programs and participated in state-sponsored cultural and art events in the Caribbean.

The summer of 2015 saw Suns of Dub’s European tour, taking them to some of the biggest world music stages, including the Dour Festival. Later in the year, they embarked on a U.S. promotional tour for the ‘Far East Dub’ LP, their debut album, showcasing a deep roots approach to dub. They also collaborated with Kangol Headwear to release exclusive Augustus Pablo and Rockers International headwear.

Suns of Dub, led by Addis Pablo, has emerged as a driving force behind the new wave of Dub, Drum and Bass, EDM, House, and International Dance Club music originating from the Caribbean. They’ve attracted contributions from artists and fans worldwide, transcending boundaries and offering a wide range of music selections, from Dub to DnB, Trap, House, EDM, Roots Reggae, and Rockers. Suns of Dub represents the new generation of Rockers International, a testament to their unwavering commitment to musical innovation.

The Ras Jammy Magic

Ras Jammy’s production style is characterized by his deep reverence for reggae’s roots and culture. He brings a spiritual and authentic quality to his music, capturing the essence of reggae’s message of unity, love, and resistance. His sound engineering skills, combined with a profound understanding of reggae’s history, have allowed him to craft music that resonates with audiences on a profound level.

Through his work, Ras Jammy has bridged the gap between reggae’s timeless heritage and the contemporary soundscape, making the genre accessible to a new generation of listeners while maintaining its core values.

The Future of Ras Jammy

Ras Jammy’s journey in reggae music continues to evolve, with new collaborations and projects on the horizon. His ability to blend traditional reggae elements with modern production techniques has set him apart as a producer with a unique voice in the industry.

In conclusion, Ras Jammy’s contributions to reggae music, both as a producer and an engineer, have been instrumental in the genre’s continued evolution. His work with Major Lazer, Chronixx, Protoje, and Sizzla reflects his unwavering dedication to preserving the spirit of reggae while pushing its boundaries into new and exciting territories. As we eagerly anticipate his future projects, we can be certain that Ras Jammy will remain a force to be reckoned with in the world of reggae music.