Ras Sempah – Embrace Jah Love – Press Release

Ras Sempah and ‘Royal Sounds’ are a young roots reggae band with a unique sound hailing from London, UK. They could be seen as a band of the future. The musicians include: Carlalou1Drop on the drums, one of the brothers Ajani on bass, Ashanti Selah on keyboards and the other brother Gyasi on guitar. Powerful vocals delivered from (Ajani and Gyasi’s cousin) Hannibal and also Ras Sempah, RAspect Fyabinghi & Empress Imani.

The production side of ‘Royal Sounds’ is mainly carried out by the brothers. They have been producing/arranging/composing/playing music from Ajani was only about 13 and Gyasi began at around 14. Ajani deals with the bass and the keyboards and Gyasi handles the drums and guitar, creating a tight live feeling! The brothers have been learning their main instruments from their father Ras Alkebu (played lead guitar in the band Prince Lincoln & the Royal Rasses) since they were toddlers.

To help spread the message they discovered more young talent with potential in their local area, so upcoming artists RAspect Fyabinghi, Empress Imani and Ras Sempah teamed up with the Royal Sounds. Their music can be described as ‘authentic’ Roots Reggae music with a message which the UK Reggae scene has lost over the years but they hope to bring it back; spreading the message that unity for all is the way forward. Bringing all the energy together, ‘Royal Sounds’ released their first music video titled “Changes” in 2013. Featuring Hannibal, Ras Sempah, Jah Prayer & RAspect Fyabinghi. The people received the song and video very well!

Although they are young in age, the brothers Ajani & Gyasi have been working together for the best part of ten years and have already acquired a wide range of experience. Touring Europe, backing artists and working as session musicians. They also produce music for various singers/songwriters. They are currently producing Hannibal’s debut album which is titled “The Message” which will be available in online stores worldwide in a few months. At the young age of 15 Gyasi has been to countries such as Belgium and France, playing percussion in the band ‘African Head Charge’. By 2012 the brothers went to Switzerland for the first time playing in Gappy Ranks band.

Royal Sounds is spearheaded by the multi-instrumentalist brothers Ajani and Gyasi. Their credits include: Levi Roots, Andrew Paul, Winston Reedy, Dr Dean I, Joy Mack, Dennis Bovell, Frankie Paul, Nereus Joseph, Errol Dunkley, Kandake, African Head Charge, Pete Campbell, Gappy Ranks and many more worldwide artist. Since September 2012 ‘Royal Sounds’ has performed at various shows/venues such as Enfield festival, Broomfield Park (bandstand marathon for the Olympics), Oxjam Festival, Hootenanny, Nottinghill Carnival, Reggae in Da City and various local venues. Their aims are to uplift the people with good reggae music, getting their message across worldwide, and continue to grow as a name. Influences: The Wailers, Third World, Jimmy Cliff, Ras Alkebu, Jackson 5, Prince and Toots.

Hannibal
This 20 year old lover of reggae music hails from North London and was originally known as Kannible until he says, “Jah clipped my ears”. Hannibal was a great General of carthage, which influenced Hannibal (James) through strength, bravery and wisdom which he incorporates in both his song writing and lifestyle. The concepts of his music shares the message of love, peace, unity, life experiences. Overall he is described as a positive young artist. Now Hannibal comes with uplifting lyrics to wake up his brothers and sisters. In 2009 Hannibal started rapping until he discovered the people who he was influenced by had the wrong motivation themselves. Hannibal then found Rastafari which has now lead him to Reggae music.

In 2012 Hannibal appeared on his compilation project called with 6 other worldwide artist called ‘The Love Boat Riddim’ (produced by Royal Sounds) which had a fantastic response for Hannibal’s first appearance on a mix CD. It was something new for the Reggae lovers. Hannibal’s mission is to continue spreading the message of Rastafari through his music and take his music international. Influences: Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Buju Banton and Damien Marley.

The first release from Royal Sounds is called “Embrace Jah Love” featuring Ras Sempah on vocals released on December 5th 2013. Taken from debut EP ‘The Awakening‘

MP3 Download: Embrace Jah Love