About

Background and Roots

I was born on Milford Road in Rockfort, East Kingston—once a proud, middle-class neighbourhood that slowly lost its gloss over the years. My childhood, however, was spent just around the bend on Mountain View Avenue—a more humble part of the city, but rich in character, community, and culture. My mother was a dress maker and a single mum struggling to make ends meet.

Spiritual Path and Early Teaching

At the age of fifteen I embraced RastafarI, while still in fifth form—my final year of high school. Instead of continuing on to sixth form, I chose a different path and enrolled at the College of Arts, Science and Technology to study electrical engineering.By seventeen, I was already teaching at a local preparatory school, even before completing college. At that time, I was likely the only young dreadlocks Rasta in East Kingston educating both children and adults—not just reasoning on the corner, but actively guiding students in the classroom. That made me well-known in the community—not as an entertainer, but as a teacher.While many of my Rasta peers were chasing the music dream early on, I was holding a different kind of mic—chalk in hand, passing on knowledge as an independent tutor. Music came later, but the foundation of upliftment, discipline, and a love for truth was already laid.

Spiritual Awakening and Musical Beginnings

In 1988 I became a member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel which helped me to deepen my spiritual awareness. It was there that Christ opened to me the Scriptures revealing the knowledge of Himself to me in a subtle but powerful encounter.There I also met reggae figures like songwriter Sanghie Davis and bassist Junior Dan. I started pursuing music in 1989—rehearsing with bands and collaborating in Kingston’s conscious reggae circle. In 1990 I released my first single, “That Lady,” marking the official start of my musical mission.

Collaborations and Musical Style

From 2001 to 2005, I worked with Manchester UK’s Nucleus Roots. Together we released songs such as “Run Come Quick,” “Deep Roots,” and “Irie Meditation.” Those tracks remain key in roots reggae. I blended Biblical themes, Pan-African ideas, and life experiences within reggae’s rhythms. Throughout, I kept a Christ-centred lens grounded in scripture and personal change.Moving forward after those initial years, I continued working with producers and collectives like Faya Dub (2005), Mad & Dread (2017), Roll & Record & Lewis Bennett Dubs (2018), MessenJah Music (2021), Mikey Dub (California 2023) and presently Elastica Dub (via Dubophonic Records, Cyprus 2025). I have maintained consistency in craft and message earning respect among spiritually conscious music fans.

Live Performances

I played in venues across the UK and Europe, including Band on the Wall (Manchester), Club Sauvage (Paris), Hootananny (Brixton), Manchester Carnival, and Preston Reggae Festival. Each show became a sacred space where I connected hearts and brought roots reggae alive.

Mission and Values

My journey moves beyond music. I highlight faith, love, resilience, and African heritage while keeping a Christ-centered focus. My sound reflects both fire and peace. You can stream my music on Bandcamp and all major platforms.

Community and Service

As a trustee for Yellowbird Age Friendly in Manchester, UK, I support elderly people through arts, culture, and community involvement. I work to honour wisdom and experience in a society that highlights youth.

Looking Ahead

My mission remains to share good music and guide listeners home, holding aloft the torch of wisdom.

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Publications

My musical journey spans over three decades, blending roots reggae with spiritually charged and thought-provoking lyrics. From my early collaborations with Nucleus Roots to more recent works with MessenJah Music and I-niverse, my catalogue reflects a deep commitment to reggae’s mission—speaking truth, uplifting souls, and preserving the culture.Explore a collection of my releases across various labels and collaborations, beginning with my own imprint, Rising Son.⸻📀 Vinyl Releases:
• That Lady – Rising Son (1990) 7”
• That Lady/Come To Me – Rising Son (1990) 12”Nucleus Roots (Manchester, UK, 2000 - 2016)📀 Albums & Compilations:
• Run Come Quick – Nucleus Roots / Nucleus Roots (2000)
• Deep Roots – Nucleus Roots / Nucleus Roots (2000)
• Irie Meditation – Nucleus Roots / Universal Love (2002)
• Dreams – Nucleus Roots / Universal Love (2002)
• Behold – Nucleus Roots / Heart of The Matter, Vol 3 (2004)📀 Vinyl Releases:
• Irie Meditation / Step it up Rasta – Universal Egg (2007)
• State of Mind – Tribe 84 Records (2016)⸻Faya Dub (Paris, France, 2001)
• When The Bread Come Back – Faya Dub / Sings & Plays (2001)
• When The Bread Come Back (Tabla String Dub Remix, Inédit) – Wagram Music / Various (2001)
• When The Bread Come Back – Villa Saint Michel / Samouraï Vill-Du? (2008)⸻📀 Roll & Record (Rennes, France, 2016 - 2019)
• Let Your Light Shine – Roll & Record / Ina Di Radio (2016)
• Every Little Thing – Ruff Diamond / Pure Niceness Riddim EP (2019)⸻📀 Lewis Bennett Dub (Doncaster, UK, 2019)
• Rivers of Babylon – Lewis Bennett Dub (2019)⸻MessenJah Music (Southend On Sea, UK, 2021 - 2022)📀 Vinyl Release:
• Power & Glory – MessenJah Music (2021)📀 Digital Releases:
• Envy Not – MessenJah Music (2022)⸻I-niverse (2024)📀 EP Release:
• Don Hartley Meets I-niverse – Song of Creation EP (2024)
• Song of Creation
• Orthodox Soldier
• Mother Zion
• The Third DayProduced in collaboration with I-niverse, a renowned roots reggae selector and producer, this EP delivers a spiritually rich and uplifting message, rooted in deep reggae tradition.⸻Compilation FeaturesThe Big Mountain Riddim – Various Artists (2022)
• World One Entertainment Label
• Featuring Don Hartley, George Nooks, Mikey General, and more.📀 The Brick Wall Riddim – Various Artists (2020)
• I Love Sound Production
• Featuring Don Hartley, King Kong, Claire Angel, and other reggae greats.⸻Listen & Explore MoreStream & Purchase:📀 Spotify
📀 Apple Music
📀 YouTube
📀 BandcampMerchandise also availableStay tuned for more releases as I continue to bring reggae music with a message—love and light, truth and right.

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What Fans Say

About ‘The Word You Speak’

“I love this song so much. It’s in my playlist of favourites which I play all the time. It’s absolutely booming in the car with that awesome bass line.” Sky

• Heart

“I’ve been listening to your tune and I absolutely love it!” Shaheda

About ‘Song of Creation EP’

“Wicked cd!” I was blown away when I listened for the first time. Nuff scripture! Tuff riddims! — Shumba Reuben (Twelve Teibe)