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In December 2023 the sudden passing of our beloved presenter Ras Asher, who gave many years of service to the station left us devastated and in deep shock. Ras Asher was a true humble lion with a versatile music portfolio, from roots reggae to jazz and rare grooves.
We are incredibly proud and humbled to welcome Ripton Lindsay aka Souls Liberation and a great friend of Asher, to the Ujima Family who would like to continue The Journi in honour of our Brother Asher.
Asé.
Every Sunday from 2-4pm & repeated Thursday 2-4pm Souls Liberation presents an intercommunal sound service comprised of eclectic sound frequencies for the mind, body, soul to escape within. Informative, educational and entertaining with occasional interviews and performances from up-and-coming artists to well respected artists and musicians within the global music fraternity. A session that requires listening without prejudice.
In honour of Asher’s memory, Ripton will dedicate his show to the music that he loved and dedicated his life to.
ABOUT SOULS LIBERATION aka RIPTON LINDSAY – DJ/MC/Poet:
“Music gives us a sense of identity, purpose and time. It’s important to remain true to who you are and what you do.”
Ripton Lindsay.
Jamaican born Ripton Lindsay has been dancing and performing since childhood, mastering the art of the Kumina dance as preserved by the Maroon community in St Thomas and Portland, Jamaica. Ripton is one of the few generations left who still performs this rare and unique tradition whilst keeping its authentic essence. Ripton is famous for his distinctive approach in combining both traditional and contemporary dance with hip hop, reggae and jazz.
In 1992 Ripton established his dance group NKiru, which included 15 dancers and musicians. Ripton was NKiru’s artistic director and choreographer until 2000. NKiru specialized in Jamaican traditional dance and contemporary movements and was giving more than 50 performances a year. Nkiru was a resident ensemble at Dragon Bay Hotel, Fern Hill Hotel, Sandals Negril, Boscobel Beach Resort to name a few, and was featured in MTV and German film production Polyphon Films.
Ripton left Jamaica in 2000 and toured Canada and USA before settling in the UK.
He performed and worked with The Dave Matthew’s Band (USA), Jazz
musicians Pee Wee Ellis (James Brown), Alex Wilson amongst others.
In 2002 he choreographed and performed one man show “The Journey Through
Dance” for Reverberation Festival combining different styles of dance and
drama.
In 2011 Ripton created a one man show for WOMAD Festival. The show
included dance and audience participation in movement.
Extracts from this show were included in more performances in the UK,
Jamaica, Abu Dhabi, Malta, Austria and Israel. Festival performances include WOMAD UK / Abu Dhabi / Malta / Belfast, Glastonbury, The Big Chill, Boomtown and Shambala festival. Ripton captures the hearts of audiences throughout the world performing and choreographing from carnivals parades to international festivals, dancing and conducting workshops.
Apart from being a dancer and choreographer, Ripton is a DJ, MC and a poet, and
has worked with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa of Zulu Nation, Daddy G (Massive
Attack), Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Aquasky, Freq Nasty, Mr Benn, Mim Suleiman, J
Star, Optimas Prime amongst others.
Educational Work
“Not all people on planet earth are going to be on the academic scale, which many confuse as education. For me the meaning of education is bringing out the best, and that is the aim of my work. Using my culture, talents and intuition, the core of my work is based on profound communication which embodies a spiritual essence. I believe performing arts are a tool which allows any individual to have a moment of education in their own way.”
Ripton Lindsay.
Ripton was one of the key artists and ambassador of WOMAD Foundation.
His lectures and workshops provide a unique insight into the traditional Jamaican culture. Using the language of dance and music as an educational tool, Ripton’s work results in creating better communication between people of different abilities, backgrounds and cultures. His work as a guest lecturer and dance tutor includes Bath University, Launceston College, Abu Dhabi University amongst others. Ripton has run workshops in the UK, USA, Jamaica, Malta, Ireland, Israel and Austria. From a natural and trained perspective, Ripton has vast experience working with children and adults with challenging behaviour and autistic spectrum disorder. Creating a comfortable environment, his work allows individuals with disabilities and challenging behaviour to thrive and perform on world renowned festival stages.
Email:
soundmovementdirector@gmail.com
IN MEMORY OF RAS ASHER
Asher was a multi-talented creative, Asher was a professional DJ, MC, host and photographer. He was brought up in South London on a mix of gospel, folk, soul, RnB and rare groove. He also loved reggae from an early age.
Asher was with Ujima since the very beginning and had produced and presented shows covering genres from bluebeat, ska, world music, afro beats and many more.
For many years his Sunday show “The Journi” explored the many different branches of Jazz which Asher pointed out is interconnected with so many other musical genres – influencing some styles and drawing heavily from others.
Our thoughts are with his children, family, and all those who share our sense of loss. In honour of his memory we will dedicate his show to the music that he loved and dedicated his life to. May he be received well on his journey to the next Realm.
Asé.
Photo above of Ras Asher.
