Roots Archives Forum

I was recently introduced to Ras Imruh's LP "Tribute to Selassie", I believe released in '85 (according to the data-base).

I find it a very interesting album. It is very mystical, sort of an early-steppers sound with excellent, heavy dub versions following each tune. I put it on for a friend and asked him what year he thought the album was recorded, he said mid-90s. I wasn't surprised, to my ears it is quite ahead of its time.

Anyhow, I wanted to see if anyone had any information on Ras Imruh, as there is basically nothing floating around the internet (or at least nothing that is easy to find). It looks like he only cut this one LP and perhaps a few singles. Also, the producer listed R. Carter doesn't have any other albums to his credit (at least not on this site).

The album (I only have a MP3 rip by the way) says it was cut at Ariwa and Channel One, with backing by the Revolutionaries. Sort of compelling that he garnered top shelf studio/backing band for the recording, yet this still seems like quite an unknown album that you don't hear about much. It definitely qualifies as a top "obscure" album in my opinion.

Any info (and speculation!) is appreciated.

Enjoy this killer track off the LP:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ2xIYS69mE

It's a UK production with rhythms bought from Flako Palmer (or ... don't know if he licensed them or what the deal might have been but it is Negus Roots backing tracks at least). You can hear a lot of them used by Lacksley Castell etc. It was released in mid 80's and a reissue (different font on sleeve) came in the late 90's I think. It's a brilliant album.

Ras Imru Asher is a UK vocalist who released some very fine records all the way from the 70's to the 00's. Besides this album he also recorded a set for Barry Issacs Reggae On Top label in the mid 90's. I can highly recommend the following records from him:

Calli Bird (House of Asher 12")
Marshall (Jah Shaka 12")
Africa We Want To Go (Space Ark Records 12")

nice version!!!

Thanks for the info Kalcidis!

I thought the rhythms sounded somewhat familiar, but they're given a work-over on the mixing desk no doubt...heady stuff. I will have to check out the 12" you mentioned, the Shaka one sounds great. Talented vocalist, really digging his singing style.

crucial root singer

He also has a showcase album released by reggae on top called "spiritual warrior"

By strange coincidence I bought "Spiritual Warrior" but a few hours ago.
(Part of) the blurb on the back of sleeve states:
Ras Imru was born Roy Carter in Jamaica (1950).
Of African parentage, Father was a church minister.
Came to UK in 1965.

Guess the R Carter mentioned in OP as producer of "Tribute to Selassie I" was in fact himself under his birth name.....???

Also states that re-issue of "Tribute to Selassie I" was released in '94 by Barry Isaacs of Reggae on Top.

I'm a friend of Ras imruh asha, a true ras and your right about the mystical part, he's still around and finally released some new matierial. thought you maybe interested in his new works, November 2014 release, "backs against the wall" his latest album

Title track link is below, how to obtain the album is on the video

http://youtu.be/x3qTOl7h16s