Presenting: AISHA, ADDIS PABLO, EARL SIXTEEN, JAH YOUTH ROOTS AMBASSADOR SOUND
The evening will be dedicated to the life and musical works of Allan Rolle, aka Jah Youth Roots Ambassador, who transitioned on 5th October 2023.
Established in 1975, Jah Youth Roots Ambassador Sound (JYRAS) is known for its pivotal role in establishing Roots Reggae soundsystem culture. With their customised red sound boxes towering throughout each dance, JYRAS have dedicated decades to the Black sonic experience of Rastafari roots and culture.
The Sound has toured globally, working on an international scale not only with artists across UK/Europe, but with legendary artists like AUGUSTUS PABLO, MISTY IN ROOTS, EARL SIXTEEN, DR ALIMANTADO, BURNING SPEAR and many more.
JYRAS has also played alongside other foundation sound systems, including JAH SHAKA, FATMAN, QUAKER CITY, ENTEBBE, ABA SHANTI, IRATION STEPPERS, CHANNEL ONE and ROOTS YOUTH.
During the 70s and 80s JYRAS established itself as a true freedom fighter sound, and soon, the Sound had a calling to Africa in 1987. Before long they were playing all over the continent including Zimbabwe, South Africa and Ghana; their popularity earned them the honourable title ‘ROOTS AMBASSADORS’, a distinction which the Sound carries to this day. JYRAS returned to Africa again in 1990, as well as in 1992 touring with MISTY IN ROOTS and LUCIANO in Tanzania in 2004.
On their return to the UK Jah Youth Roots Ambassador Sound hosted a series of shows from 2009 to 2013 in the famous Dingwalls Camden featuring THE CONGOS, DUB JUDAH, PRINCE ALLA, DAWEH CONGO and MACKA B. JYRAS also headlined the annual Genna celebrations hosted by REGGAE PEOPLE.
December 7th will be the first public tribute to the works and legacy of Allan Rolle, Jah Youth Roots Ambassador. The night will feature some of the artists and musicians he has worked with during his illustrious journey.