The Uprising Roots

progressive and positive change amongst humanity. This band of musicians’ mission is

to use the power of their music to manifest this positive change. Located on Fairbourne Road, the studio and band headquarters is a real family home that is shared by the band members, artistes and often visitors from overseas. Reminiscent of the “old skool” studio “family vibes” where everyone worked, rest and play together. Cooking is a shared “family affair” and there is always someone on hand to prepare the meal. The “Element of Surprise” as they have been named is no ordinary band.

“Kush” Rashawn McAnuff (Drums/Lead vocal), started his career touring with his

father, Recording Artiste Winston Mc Anuff. “Kush” who learned his skills from some of

the best in the business, “Horsemouth”, Sly Dunbar and Carlton Barrett. Kush also 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

first learning the drums, later moving on to learn guitar, keyboard and eventually the

bass. Inspired by the legendary “Bagga Bass” on a visit toTuff Gong studio with Earl

‘Chinna’ Smith. “Pot a Rice” is also the Engineer for the Uprising studio.

“Akinsanya” Lloyd Palmer (Dub Poet/Keyboard /BV), started his musical journey into

the reggae arena as a “Poet” and was inspired by the Virtuoso Jackie Mittoo, Robbie

Lyn, Linton “Kwesi” Johnson and Mutabaruka, in nurturing, honing and fusing his artistic

talents. “Akinsanya” being a ‘Dub-poet” brings another ingredient into the musical mix.

“Junior” Joseph Sutherland (Percussionist/BV)) started out as a Nyabinghi drummer

and since working with The Uprising Roots has been experimenting “outside of the

drum” with various instruments, pot covers and whatever else he can get his hands on.

“Bopee” Winston Bowen, guitarist extraordinaire, international session guitarist, best known for his work with the 809 band.

Conceptualized on 1st January 2006 the band core members met by jamming together

as musicians playing together “Inna de Yard”. “Kush” recalls seeing Earl “Chinna”

Smith, a friend of his father Winston McAnuff, a fellow veteran Musician ,that

introduced him to Pot a Rice. Chinna said “si yuh drummer deh” a “Rice” had been

looking for a drummer to work with. This gave birth to the initial seasoning of Drum and

Bass been infused together Uprising style.

Another veteran in the business that was influential on the band is Sugar Minott as It

was at his studio that a lot of the early practice and rehearsals took place. It was here

that they would meet to rehearse and from here the start of their performing together on

shows with Sugar Minott. “Kush” on his musical journey met percussionist 2 “Junior Congo” and it was decided to add some extra spice to the blend by bringing him

into the band. Both in 2005 and 2006 they were the accompanying band at Sugar

Minott’s “Reggae in the Hills” St Catherine, Jamaica.

In 2007 they begun touring with Gyptian to “Guadeloupe, French Guyana and

Suriname”. “Jeffrys” joined the band for a tour to Barbados and Suriname again with

Gyptian in 2008. Also in 2008 the band worked on “Black my Story” in Jamaica

alongside a whole host of artistes including Natural Black,Turbulence, Lenn Hammond,

Eazy Wayne, Hero, Nesbeth, Lutan Fyah and Sugar Minott. The band performed with

Duane Stephenson, Nikiesha Barnes and Toots Hibbert at the CTV “Breakfast with the

Stars” tribute to Jimmy Cliff and on “Roots Reggae Rising” in Kingston, most recent of

all Protéjé’s “Seven years Itch”, “Bands Incorprorated 2”, John Holt in Negril Jamaica,

Iration Ites – The Itesperience, H.I.M Haile Selasse I RR 80th Coronation Celebration

and Taurus Riley and Friends Concert, Bob marley Tribute concert, JARIA Reggae Month celebration at EMCVPA.

To date The Uprising Roots has performed with many different artistes. Their diverse

membership and exposure to many different genres of music makes this a dynamic

band, able to adapt to meet the needs of many different audiences. The Uprising Roots

is a performance band in their own right and work with their own label artistes such as

Vania Colours, Lee Tafari, Field Marshal and Earth Warrior. As the owners of their own

studio they are also a production band and can be called upon to compose rhythms or

for live recording sessions. Currently “The Uprising Roots” has released their new

singles “Know Yourself”, Brighter Days, Skyfiya and Brightest Light on the

‘TruMusik Records Label’ and is working on the eventual release of their much

anticipated debut album.