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Lion of Judah Time Radio Presented by Ras Michael, the Sons of Negus
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London Calling Podcast Yana Bolder
THE LIFE & RHYTHM OF
RAS MICHAEL
MASTER DRUMMER, CULTURAL AMBASSADOR, AND SOUL OF NYABINGHI REGGAE
Preserving the Heartbeat of Rastafari
Ras Michael (born Michael George Henry) stands as one of the defining pillars of authentic Jamaican music. Recognized globally as a master of traditional Nyabinghi drumming the spiritual heartbeat underlying reggae. His career spans over six decades of recorded music, global tours, and cultural preservation. From pioneering Rastafarian presence on mainstream radio to sharing stages with legends like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Stevie Wonder, Ras Michael’s work transcends music to offer a spiritual journey.
A Legacy Built on Wadada (Love)
Beyond his 25+ studio albums, Ras Michael has served as an international ambassador, diplomat, and educator. Through his percussive rhythms, utilizing the Funde, Repeater, and Bass drums, he brings the ancient traditions of Africa into modern music. Below is the timeline of his journey as a messenger of peace, roots, and unity.
The Journey
From JBC Radio to Global Legend
The Lion of Judah Time Airwaves
Ras Michael becomes the first Rastafarian to host a reggae radio program in Jamaica. Airing on JBC, "The Lion of Judah Time" introduces traditional Nyabinghi drumming and chanting to the mainstream public.
Rastafari & The Sons of Negus
Collaborating with producer Tommy Cowan, Peter Tosh, Robbie Shakespeare, and Earl "Chinna" Smith, Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus release Rastafari, combining traditional acoustic percussion with modern electric reggae.
Sharing the Stage with Bob Marley
Ras Michael performs at the historic One Love Peace Concert in Kingston alongside Bob Marley & The Wailers, using sacred drumming to promote peace during a time of political violence.
Hall of Fame Inductions & Achievements
Honored for his contributions to world culture, Ras Michael is inducted into the Jamaica Reggae Hall of Fame (1995) and receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bob Marley Day Festival in California (2001).
Preserving Culture in World Museums
Ras Michael performs at the Smithsonian Institute’s Exhibition on Rastafari in Washington, D.C. (2008), and contributes artifacts to the Grammy Museum’s Bob Marley Messenger Exhibit (2011).
Awarded the Order of Distinction
The Jamaican Government officially confers the Order of Distinction upon Ras Michael in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the development of Jamaican music and culture.
Spiritual Roots in the Modern Era
Continuing his prolific recording career into a new decade, Ras Michael releases the album Live by the Spirit, demonstrating that his spiritual rhythm and message remain as vibrant as ever.
Jah Love Release & Cultural Diplomacy
Releasing Jah Love (via Zion Disc) and continuing his work with the Rastafarian International Marcus Garvey Cultural Center in Los Angeles, Ras Michael continues to lecture, perform, and inspire generations of musicians worldwide.
The Journey Continues
“The whole world is a garden and all the people in it are its flowers… we all beautify this garden with all of our different colors.” — Ras Michael
Today, Ras Michael’s drum beat continues to resonate across continents. Whether through live performances, educational masterclasses, or upcoming studio releases, the Sons and Daughters of Negus carry forward a timeless message of oneness, faith, and Wadada (Love).
