Ras-I to headline inaugural Kingman Live

Reggae artiste Ras-I will headline the inaugural staging of Kingman Live: The Heart of Love Experience on December 5, with the concert centred on his latest album, Heart of Love.

“Kingman Live is about bringing people together to share in the music. Whether they know the songs by heart or are just discovering Heart of Love, I want everyone to feel part of the experience. Come ready to sing with me and enjoy some good reggae music. I want people to leave still singing, with a lighter heart and even more love for reggae,” Ras-I said.

The event is being presented by Ras-I Musique and Niche Entertainment Group, with Red Stripe as title partner.

The concert’s name links Ras-I’s earlier album, Kingman, with his latest release. Released on May 15, Heart of Love features 13 tracks and collaborations with Kabaka Pyramid, Govana, Khalia and Nesta. The album explores romantic and spiritual love, as well as perseverance and personal growth.

“...We’re always excited to be part of experiences that celebrate our music and culture, and Kingman Live is exactly that. We’re proud to partner with Ras-I and the Niche team to bring together some of reggae’s established names alongside exciting young talent,” said Amoye Phillpotts-Brown, brand manager at Red Stripe.

“Reggae is such an important part of who we are as Jamaicans, and what makes it even more special is how it connects people from all walks of life,” she added.

Born Immanuel Kerr in Kingston, Ras-I is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose sound blends roots reggae, soul and Afrobeat.

His single, Somewhere Wonderful, was selected as the soundtrack for the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 2025 Easter campaign, which promoted Jamaica in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The song also won Song of the Year at the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association’s 2023 Honour Awards.

In 2024, Ras-I won Best New Reggae Artist at the Caribbean Music Awards. He was nominated for the Reggae Impact Award at the same awards in 2025.

His performance credits include Jamaican festivals Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute, Reggae Sunsplash, Protoje’s Lost In Time Festival and Tosh Fest. Overseas, he has performed at City Splash and SXSW London in the United Kingdom, Reggae Geel in Belgium, Ruhr Reggae Summer in Germany and Moonsplash in Anguilla. His festival appearances have also seen him share line-ups with Burning Spear, Kabaka Pyramid and Tarrus Riley.

The full line-up for Kingman Live: The Heart of Love Experience is expected to be announced in mid-November.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com