Meet Ras Moses | International reggae artist , meditation teacher, board director for Www.uniteethiopia.org

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ras Moses and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ras, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Everyone is born with gifts and as we all know that it is better to give then recieve! Some years ago I had a wonderful job as an consultant for a large medical marijuana start up in Jamaica. I was hired by an affluent American doctor and scientist to be an liason and consultant for a medical marijuana hotel in Negril, Jamaica and a a large scale grow operation for export. The goal was to create medicines to help heal people with cancer. This was a passion and in my wheelhouse as I had spent a great of deal of time in Jamaica over the years and having a corporate background in sales, healing arts and being Rastafari I was uniquely suited for such a dream job!

It was an lucrative opportunity which included bi monthly trips to Jamaica , my own house on an estate with private chef and maid. I was being paid handsomely as well.

When the boutique hotel and 420 acre farm secured as well as a team I put together the tide started to turn.

I had brought all my connections to the table and when I sat down to create a contract and Memorandum of Agreement with the doctor moving forward as the business was about to take off that hired me said,” what you don’t trust me? Even if we create a contract I have the best lawyers that can ge me out of said contract “

At that point I saw the writing on the wall that this doctor was unscrupulous and did not have my best interest in mind or the Jamaican people suffering it was cut throat business and he had used me to get his foot into the country.

I left heart broken and felt betrayed and went back to Colorado to regroup. Feeling rather depressed I started to bring my guitar to the banks of Clear Creek in Golden, Colorado and started to sing my heart out and I felt levity and then I started noticing people to stop by and enjoy my music. A light bulb went off if my music could lift me out of a dark place maybe it would help others!

From that day on pursued and followed the muse and creative inspiration of music. Years later, I ve become an international reggae artist, RasMoses with 3 full albums and many single release from producers around the world from Paris to Kingston Jamaica. Often times people will come up to me and recite my lyrics and mention how my music has a positive impact on thier life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Most authentic reggae artists are from Jamaica however I am the first American born artist to perform at Bob Marley’s annual birthday celebration in Kingston, Jamaica and one of my hit songs “Guide and Swing” was released by Bob Marley’s label Tuff Gong International.

The musical journey hasn’t been easy and it has had it’s share of bumps in the road. When I first started to perform live there were haters and people that discouraged me as being an American and lighter skin tone . I must admit when I first started I was not good ha but with countless hours of practice, lessons with an opera singer and then a classical trained Indian teacher i found myself improving.

Early on in my career I was blessed to connect with a big time producer in Jamaica named Leroy Scarlett who has been grooming and guiding my signature sound. I was wise enough to listen to the greats when they shared thier knowledge and experience of the craft.

Reggae music is an unique genre as it is a music with spiritual ingredients for spirtual purposes. When the music hits you, you feel no pain so I take this music and mission and a ministry to give people hope, joy and renewal of faith. Nothing brings me joy to see people dancing, feeling the holy spirit and smiles.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Mile High City! As a Rasta we have special affinity to all things Cannabis as a sacrament and a healing tool and way to “break bread” with our family and friends. So Denver in Ganjahrado being the first to legalize recreationaly we have no shortage of the best herb in the nation so I would take my guests to Verde Natural who grows the best organic living soil Cannabis and hash!

The other aspect of Denver I would share is our thriving Ethiopian community. Denver is sister city to the holy town of Axum, Ethiopia where the ark of the covenant is! I ve been to Axum and there is an actual Denver street! I would take my guest to a share a delicious Ethiopian meal at The Nile Restaurant or Mesob!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As a Rasta man we shout out King Rastafari also known as Emperor Haile Selassie the First who is the king of kings the lord of lords the conquering lion of the Judah. His Majesty words and works are my daily inspiration in all I do. ” We must ceaselessly seek the balance of material and spiritual then only then will be happy” “unity is the accepted goal” “with perseverance and imagination our success is assured”

I recommend the book Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda to get a mystical and profound glimpse into some of my meditation masters.

Of course a shout out to my earthly parents Neil and Karen Bookman who gave me life and showed me what love and hard work can accomplish.

Website: https://Www.rasmoses.com

Instagram: Rasmoses_chantingyogi

Youtube: RasMoses

Other: In addition to 3 albums to date and many international singles I wrote a book called An American Mysic available on Kindle.

RasMoses is available for bookings!