The Uprising Roots ADD
Ascending like the Sky fire (sun) in the East, The Uprising Roots is borne out of Rockfort, East Kingston. Rising up with an assertive musical defiance, to bring forth a positive progressive change amongst humanity. This band of musicians’ mission is to use the power of their music to manifest this positive change. Uprising roots is no ordinary band as they occupies the “Upper room” of reggae music and is dubbed as The “Element of Surprise”.
“Kush” Rashawn McAnuff (Drums/Lead vocal), was born into a musical family his father being the legendary Winston ‘Electric Dread’ McAnuff and his Uncle Dave ‘Makkaruffin’ McAnuff a professional drummer in his right. Kush started rehearsing with his Father’s band “Black Kush” while learning his skills by observing some of the best in the business, such as “Horsemouth”, Sly Dunbar and Carlton Barrett. Kush has recorded and toured extensively with the “Inna De Yard all-stars” headed by musical director Earl “Chinna” Smith. Kush as the lead singer for the band is not your average drummer at all!
“Pot a Rice” Ruel Ashburn (Bass/Engineer/BV) started playing music at an early age
at Mount Carmel revival church in St Andrew. His life was transformed at age twelve when he accompanied his Grandmother to convention and saw the church band spirited in action. His first interest was the drums, later moving on to learn the guitar, keyboard and eventually settling down with the bass. Inspired by the technique likewise simplicity of the legendary “Bagga Bass” on a visit to Tuff Gong studio with Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith. “Pot a Rice” is also the Engineer responsible for recording and mixing the bands’ debut album “Skyfiya” and has extend his mixing skills to other projects of his peers in the industry. He is CEO of his company Rice Field Productions.
“Akinsanya”, Lloyd Palmer (Dub Poet/Keyboard /BV). A humble son from the garden parish of St. Ann who grew up in the yam parish of Trelawney. With music being a part of the spiritual and social fabric of the Jamaican rural folks, he has continued in the tradition of his uncles and grandfather who sang and played music on their church band. Lloyd was exposed to music and it’s theory while being a student at the William Knibb Memorial High where he was on the schools’ choir. Akin started his musical journey into the reggae arena as a “Dub-Poet”, gaining his motivation and inspiration from some of Jamaica greats; Virtuoso Jackie Mittoo, Robbie Lyn, Linton “Kwesi” Johnson and Mutabaruka in nurturing, honing and fusing his artistic talents. Akin was propelled into exploring the tenets of the Keyboards after experiencing unprofessionalism and short coming in bringing his art form to reality and satisfaction. “Akinsanya” being a ‘Dub-poet” brings another ingredient into the musical mix of potent roots music.
“Junior Congo” Joseph Sutherland (Percussionist/BV)) started out as a Nyabinghi drummer, “Kush” on his musical journey met percussionist “Junior Congo” and it was decided to add some extra spice to the blend by bringing him into the band and since working with The Uprising Roots has been experimenting “outside of the drum” with various instruments, pot covers and whatever percussive he can get his hands on.
