EarthKry Live

The EarthKry band was born and nurtured within the halls of the Edna Manley College of The Visual & Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica where four budding musicians hoped to hone their skills. Their journey began with a twist of fate which brought together keyboard player Phillip Mcfarlane, drummer Kieron Cunningham, bass guitarist Kamardo Blake and vocalist/guitarist Aldayne Haughton, to play a series of small gigs. Drawing inspiration from Bob Marley and The Wailers, The Beatles, John Holt, Peter Tosh, Jacob Miller, Black Uhuru and Steel Pulse, the group soon cemented a wholesome fusion of Roots Reggae, Souls and Rock genres for a fresh but universal sound.

Much like the iconic reggae outfit The Wailers, the band chose its name, Earth Kry, to signify its mission to voice the grievances of the downtrodden through the vibrations of their music. Befittingly, their debut single “9 to 5” echoes the daily tribulations of the working class who are barely able to make ends meet from the menial wages they receive.

Since 2013 the band has spent much of their time creating music with other notable artistes in recording sessions while further developing their signature sound. Through the guidance of veteran drummer/ lecturer Derrick Stewart, veteran trumpeter Nambo Robinson, guitarist/former tutor Maurice Gordon and producers Stephen Stewart and Sam Clayton, the band has since released a successful debut EP “Hard Road”, an acclaimed, worldwide top charting debut album “SURVIVAL” and have toured extensively on some of the biggest international stages.

My name is Ronaldo Ricketts, known as Rik Jam.

I was born and raised in a community called Fletcher Land. I spent half of my childhood years in Fletcher Land until my mom passed and I moved to Stadium Gardens where I now reside with my father. Life has changed a bit since I moved, I have faced some challenges, but music is the only thing that is keeping me together. My love for music started from the very tender age of 8 when I would actively participate in all the singing activities at church. However, my passion for music blossomed when I entered my teenage years.

At the age of 15 while attending the St Andrew technical high school I decided to join the school choir. As I participated in various rehearsals and live performances I quickly realized that music was my life goal. I felt a passion within me each time I sang, I did not just want to voice the words of a song but I wanted my music to speak to my audience.

From early on in my music career I purposed myself to sing clean, positive lyrics as such music help to keep one focused and give you a positive energy. Music is like a gateway to my happiness and without it I don't think I could function properly. I want to learn more about this music industry, I want to learn how to play some instruments So far I have a little knowledge in playing the piano, but I am taking it one step at a time as I appreciate the music and my audience as I am guided by the words of Bob Marley “When the root is strong, the fruit is sweet.”

I met Phillip at a high school band Competition and this ended up being an inspiring experience. Upon venturing out to pursue my musical goals Philip advised me to complete my education before doing music full time. Having complete my education I had a chance to record my first song “Love never Lost". Because of my single “Love never Lost” I started performing at various events .

This knowledge and experience that I have gathered have open up new doors and certainly have help me compose my next song title “Life”

Shamans of Sound is:

“We love the vibes you're bringing” is just the call to action the world needs as we come together as a community. It's time to rebuild the vibe and heal the nation together. There are few forms of music that bring people together in a fusion of peace, love, unity and social consciousness like reggae music does. From dancehall vibes to skankin’ guitars, dub effects, harmonious vocals, melodic horn lines, heavy bass, and addictive grooves, few do it like Shamans of Sound, one of Washington D.C.' s finest reggae outfits coming straight from the heart of Babylon itself.

The Shamans of Sound live experience is something to behold, preserving the traditions of reggae music all while never being afraid to experiment and incorporate new elements into their sound is what draws audiences back time and time again. The band has had the privilege of playing at prestigious D.C. venues: Kennedy Center, National Cannabis Fest, Union Stage, DC9, Pearl Street Warehouse, and The Hamilton and supporting artists such as The Wailers, Wiz Khalifa, Lettuce, Ghostface Killah, Black Masala, and Talking Dreads as well as airplay in numerous countries, including Spain, Germany, and Brazil.

Featuring a core group of D.C. music scene veterans composed of members of Nappy Riddem, Feel Free, Incwell, Dub City Renegades, Moogatu, Black Masala, Everyday Everybody, Awthentik, and Tropik Sol. Shamans of Sound has won multiple D.C. area Wammie Awards in 2021 and 2019 for Best Reggae Artist/Group as well as garnered endorsements from Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitars, one of the premier guitar & amplifier builders.

It was inevitable that this group of D.C. music veterans known as Shamans of Sound would enter the recording studio and replicate their live shows with a rich tapestry of highly polished singles and EPs. Beginning in 2018 they started releasing their music to an expectant public, culminating in their most recent tracks, “Things In Our Nation (2022)” and “District Vibes (2021)”. Accompanying each release is an instrumental version, and remixes from Alpha Steppa (UK), Thunderball, Rooks, and more. With new single releases on the horizon, many post-pandemic live D.C. dates, 2023 will kick off a new era for Shamans of Sound and their ever-growing audience.

“Now Is The Time for Revolution, Now Is The Time for Retribution.”

Host or Publisher Whagwaan Entertainment