Daily Discovery: Ras Dave – Root of Evil

Ras Dave is a long-standing presence in the US reggae scene, active since the mid-1990s. Based in Denver, Colorado, he works across roots, dub and lovers’ rock as both a vocalist and producer. His music draws from reggae’s core traditions of resistance and reflection, while speaking directly to present-day realities.

His latest single, “Root of Evil,” is a sparse, roots-heavy track centred on the corrosive power of money. Its unhurried rhythm and direct vocal delivery give space to the message, drawing attention to the way materialism distorts personal and collective values. It follows “Bright Day,” released in March, a more upbeat song taken from his upcoming album What A Gwan. Due on the 14th of April, the album was recorded independently with live instrumentation and analogue production techniques.

In his career, Ras Dave, has performed with a wide range of artists over the years, including Burning Spear, The Wailers, Culture, Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse and Yellowman, as well as acts beyond reggae such as Thievery Corporation and Parliament. These collaborations reflect a career shaped by open exchange and deep respect for the culture.

You can listen to and stream the single HERE