Ras Kawintseb

Born in Trinidad & Tobago, Ras Kawintseb has lived on several continents before returning to Africa, the land of origins.

Steeped in Trinidadian musical traditions, he moved to England as a child where he became a professional guitarist and bass player.

After studying literature in France, he travelled through Europe with his guitar and went to the United States. While in Vermont, he met Bob Marley. This meeting strengthened his desire to reach Ethiopia.

His next step? Guyana. He lived in the Bush, where he got the nickname "Man from Moblissa". He worked as a professional musician.

From South America, he went to Canada where his departure for Ethiopia was being prepared. He worked for seven years as a rasta and a musician in the growth of reggae music. In 1991, he participated in the first official celebration of "Bob Marley Day" in Toronto, on the MuchMusic television channel, accompanying on guitar Cedella Booker, Bob Marley's mother.

With singer Andru Branch, he recorded the album "What if I told you" in 1996 in Kingston with Alvin "Seeco" Patterson, Tyrone Downie, Earl Chinna Smith, Aston “Family Man” Barrett and performed with Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus.

The same year, he released the album "King of Kings" of his group "Selassie I Power Band"
which won the award for best reggae album in Canada.

Then came the time to leave for Ethiopia. Ras Kawintseb set foot on the land of his ancestors in 1996.
Since his return to Ethiopia, the soles of his feet touch this sacred land. He is known as the "Barefoot Rasta", hence his song "Bado Igir" which means "barefoot" in Amharic (one of Ethiopia's languages).
In Ethiopia, he learned the local cultures, teaches music, history and languages. He trains new generations of musicians. He transmits know-how, strength and inspiration to the young generation. He shares the stage with artists such as Alemayehu Eshete, Ato Mulatu Astatke (who invited him to teach reggae at the African Jazz Village Music Academy), Mahmoud Ahmed, Tilahun Gessesse, Chachi Tadesse, Tefera Negash, Teddy Afro, Jonny Ragga, Luciano, Bob Andy, the I-Threes, Lauryn Hill, Ziggy Marley, Teddy Dan, Sydney Salmon, Rophnan, Jah Lude, Bini Zion, Julian Marley, Angelique Kidjo and many other musicians.

In 2017, his album "Touch of Tsion" was released, which reflects the richness of his musical journey and his life now in Ethiopia.

He participates in several video documentaries, some of which are dedicated to him such as "Back to my Roots, Living in Zion", "Barefoot Rasta". He has been interviewed by numerous researchers in the humanities from all over the world as well as by journalists.

In 2021, after 25 years in Ethiopia, Ras Kawintseb obtains the Ethiopian nationality, which he celebrates with his song "Aetiopian Citizen" on 5Fony Masta Riddim.

This citizenchip crowns his journey of faith and perseverance. He can again travel and share his music around the world. He works now on a new album.