About Don Hartley
Music and Mission
Background and Roots
Born and raised in East Kingston, Jamaica, Don Hartley grew up amid modest means, deep immersion in faith and reggae culture. These forces shaped a musical foundation rooted in biblical teaching, from early tracks like "Run Come Quick" calling listeners to do Jah works, to his latest "Word You Speak," which draws from Mark 7:20 exploring the power of our words.
Across more than three decades, Don's catalogue has grown from works on his own label initially through early works with Manchester's Nucleus Roots to more recent collaborations with MessenJah Music, I-niverse, and Elastica Dub.These songs have been a hybrid of live instrumentation and digital roots rhythms underlining spiritually conscious lyrics that reflect his journey of faith and culture.
Spiritual Path and Early Teaching
Raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Don first followed the Rastafari faith, which honours Haile Selassie I as the returned Messiah. After becoming a member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, he encountered a clear distinction between Christ and the Emperor. He came to fully accept this through personal revelation, in alignment with those teachings.
Mission
Don's mission is best captured in the words of Emperor Haile Selassie I:
"This age above all ages is a period in history when it should be our prime duty to preach the Gospel of Grace to all our fellow men and women. The love shown in Christ by our God to mankind should constrain all of us who are followers and disciples of Christ to do all in our power to see to it that the Message of Salvation is carried to those of our fellows for whom Christ Our Saviour was sacrificed but who have not had the benefit of hearing the good news."
— Haile Selassie I, Berlin, 28 October 1966
In this spirit, Don Hartley serves as the Rootsman of Gospel: to create reggae songs that proclaim the good news of the Gospel to the poor, heal the broken hearted and set the captives free, carrying a torch of wisdom that guides society toward its highest ideals.
Collaborations and Musical Style
From 2001 to 2005, Don worked with Manchester's Nucleus Roots, releasing tracks like Run Come Quick, Deep Roots, and Irie Meditation. These songs blended Biblical themes, Pan-African ideas, and lived experience within reggae's rhythms. Later collaborations with Faya Dub, Mad & Dread, Roll & Record, MessenJah Music, Mikey Dub (California), and Elastica Dub (via Dubophonic Records, Cyprus) carried this mission forward.Today, Don emphasizes live roots reggae, gradually moving away from digital-only productions toward dynamic, authentic sound built on live drum and bass—echoing traditional reggae's foundation.
Live Performances
Don has performed in venues across the UK and Europe, including Band on the Wall in Manchester, Club Sauvage in Paris, Hootananny in Brixton, Manchester Carnival, and Preston Reggae Festival.From intimate gatherings to large festivals, Don's performances are more than concerts—they are spiritual experiences. Audiences have shared transformative moments, finding healing and inspiration through his music.
Looking Ahead