Musical Lineup
We’re pleased to announce our Musical Lineup!
ARTIST BIOS
Jubba White
“Music is a universal language that transcends all barriers.” ~ Jubba White
Many artists grow their talent as young adults. Jubba White entered the world banging on kitchen pots and exercising his dynamic lungs at three years old.
Born in the parish of Clarendon, in Jamaica, Jubba learned to sing and play drums in church, where his mother was a foundation member and sang in the choir. He is now a No. 1 Billboard-charting Reggae producer, a Grammy-nominated session musician and vocalist that charted at No. 3 on the iTunes Reggae chart.
In 2011, Jubba and his band Dubtonic Kru had a huge victory, representing themselves and Jamaica in the Global Battle of the Bands multi genre competition in Malaysia. They were among bands from 17 countries, vying for the title, “Best New Band in The World”. They have been recipients of a US Congressional Proclamation, The Simba Award from Coalition to Preserve Reggae and the 2012 Band of the Year award from The Jamaica Star.
Two important initiatives that Jubba co-created were Bands Incorporated and Plug N’ Play. These were live music platforms that proved to have been quite crucial to emerging and developing artists in Jamaica over a decade and half ago.
He has also produced a few notable projects under his label White Stone Productions; promoting a blend of talented voices.
The 2007 release; Tantrum Riddim as well as the 2014; No Disturbance Riddim are worth mentioning.
Since the pandemic, he has released some crucial singles and albums; The Sweet Reggae Music riddim, Freedom (The Declaration of Rights) riddim, YOU , a project on which he invited select artists to do a version of his original single "You Got Me Going On" and the 2021 summer project Solar Riddim a collaborative in partnership with DJ Colonel of SimmerDown Sounds.
White has continued to record and tour in recent years with some of the top names in music, and we are thrilled to have him return and perform at Rigs & Reggae!
AARON NIGEL SMITH
Aaron Nigel Smith is a Grammy® Nominated musician and Billboard #1 recording artist who has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, Winnipeg Folk Fest, Lollapooza, and Pickathon, and performed throughout South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
He was also a featured musical guest and composer for the Emmy Award winning PBS Kids show Between the Lions in 2008.
Aaron is an educator with 20 years of experience creating music curricula. In 2002, he founded FUNdamentals of Music & Movement, a fun approach to music classes for preschool children.
He scaled FUNdamentals to a national program and sold to RockStarts in 2012. Young Audiences, The Right Brain Initiative and Arts for Learning added Smith to their teaching artist roster in 2011, and in 2013 he was named the Sunburst Teaching Artist of the Year.
Aaron and his wife Diedre, formed the non-profit 1 World Chorus with the mission of promoting peace and empowering youth internationally through the arts. More than 10000 youth in Portland, Los Angeles, New York, Kenya & Jamaica have participated in 1 World chorus programs. Aaron’s simple mission is to connect and empower youth, families and communities through music and the arts.
MICHAEL LESLIE
Michael is a multi instrumentalist singer songwriter based in Eugene Oregon who has toured across the United States with bands such as Sol Seed, Indubious, Rising Buffalo Tribe, & The Rising Tide. Michael Leslie has arranged the Lightcode band to forward his musical journey, alongside other acclaimed artists, to new levels and higher heights. His first song ever recorded was featured on the Indubious album “Beleaf” and once released, the album rose up on the iTunes and Billboard reggae charts to secure the # 1 spot. With lyrics focused on self discovery and spiritual awareness, Michael Leslie music will take you on a journey into your heart space where you can reflect upon the beauty of creation.
THE LIGHT CODE BAND
Rooted in Oregon, Lightcode band is breath of fresh life into an ancient sound. Specializing in deep sonic landscapes built upon a foundation of roots reggae music, LIGHTCODE band was formed by Michael Leslie in 2024. After touring with multiple bands as a keyboardist for the last 8 years & playing stages that stretch from New York City to the kingdom of Hawaii, it was time to reverse engineer his musical experience to bring Oregon a new sound. He has rung the alarm and gathered some of Oregon’s finest to complete the musical puzzle, guaranteed to leave audiences energized, joyful, and mystified. Inspired by the tapestry of cultures found upon the Earth, LIGHTCODE music will take you on a journey into your self where universal love can be found. With a focus on Equal Rights & Justice, it is our belief that music, when used properly, can be powerful tool that can change everything- planting revolutionary seeds of conscious
ANDREZ “Dre Z” MELODI
Andrèz “Dre Z” Melodi is a seasoned vocalist, music producer, performer, multi-instrumentalist, and roots reggae artist with over 27 years of experience. A proud husband, father, and grandfather, he hails from the heart of New Mexico and remains deeply committed to sharing his musical journey with the world.
Guided by the teachings of His Imperial Majesty and devoted to preserving authentic roots and culture, Dre Z has graced stages alongside reggae legends such as Burning Spear, Midnite, Steel Pulse, Perfect Giddimani, Tribal Seeds, and many more. His mission is to deliver high-quality reggae with humility and love—always honoring the wisdom of the ancients and striving to unite humanity through music.
For Dre Z, it is not only a passion but a privilege to contribute to the global reggae community and uplift the world through conscious sound.
MIKEY DUB
Mikey Dub, a Portland-based producer and dub mixer, has established himself as a rising star in the global dub scene. With a passion for traditional dub techniques and a knack for integrating modern electronic elements, his music resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
Mikey's journey began in Baltimore, where his early experiences in local bands and recording sessions sparked his fascination with dub mixing. Over the years, he has honed his skills, experimenting with various techniques and pushing the boundaries of studio creativity.
His unique sound, characterized by deep bass lines and immersive soundscapes, has earned him recognition for blending tradition with innovation.
KATT EYE
Born Alston Delroy Burton in Kingston, Jamaica, he earned the nickname “KATTEYE” at a young age due to his striking green eyes. A natural performer, he began singing early and worked with iconic producers such as Style Scott, Danny Browne, and Phillip “Fatis” Burrell. From 2008 to 2014, Katteye served as the lead vocalist for the reggae band Live Wyya, touring across the globe—including standout performances at Rototom Sunsplash in Spain, shows in Zimbabwe, and multiple North American and Caribbean tours.
Now based in the Pacific Northwest and pursuing a solo career, KATTEYE continues to electrify stages and bring fire to every riddim. His latest single, “Stand Up For Love,” is a powerful anthem of unity and resistance, currently enjoying international radio play. Tune in and feel the vibe!
RISING BUFFALO TRIBE
Rising Buffalo Tribe established in 2009, is an original reggae band based out of Portland, OR.
Driven with the intention to fully submerge themselves in art of roots reggae specifically.
With the devotion to contribute something original to the timeless spiritual sound. The core group now being a four-piece is a tight rhythm section, emphasizing heavy drum and bass, that create ethereal dubscapes in the process.
Their thematic music can be slow & mellow for thoughtful meditation, as well as change levels with ska and rocksteady making a warm dance.
Harnessing the majestic vehicle of reggae music to dispel ignorance, and deliver understanding. Known to always bring a stampede when live and direct.
Over the years RBT has opened for and shared the stage with artists such as Bunny Wailer, The Wailing Souls, The Wailers, Black Uhuru, Don Carlos, Chezidek, Midnite, Protoje, Jah9, Jesse Royal, Kabaka Pyramid, Groundation + many others.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
MESENJAH SELAH
THE ISREALITES
The Israelites are an institution in the world of ska music. The band was founded more than 20 years ago in Los Angeles, California, and has spent years at the forefront of the U.S. and Southern California ska scene. The Israelites have toured all across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and have performed countless concerts with the greatest names in ska and reggae music such as, The Skatalites, Lord Tanamo, Derrick Morgan, Justin Hinds, Hepcat, The English Beat, & Bad Manners, just to name a few.
Having relocated to Oregon in 2007, band founder Rich Carlstedt sought out new members to continue The Israelites. The newest lineup continues to be the best it can be, playing authentic Jamaican ska and reggae to fans of every age. Will this band ever stop? Not likely. We're here to boom shakalaka your soul with authentic sounds that will blow your mind!
DEVON KHEMIS
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Devon Khemis found his musical calling through church choir performances and the vibrant sounds of Jamaican sound systems like "King Tubby" and "Black Starliner." Influenced by reggae icons such as Bob Marley, Black Uhuru, Dennis Brown, and The Abyssinians, Khemis began crafting songs at a tender age, his soulful voice echoing the rhythms of his homeland.
His early years in music were shaped by collaborations with his uncle Desmond McLean, owner of "Macatak Muzik," where he released his debut album "Pure Khemistry" in 2007.
Upon immigrating to the US at 14, Khemis continued to refine his musical talents while residing in Mt. Vernon, NY, under the mentorship of Ras Pablo, owner of a local print shop. It was in this vibrant musical community that Khemis cultivated his artistry before relocating to Portland, Oregon, where he collaborated with luminaries like Mikey Dub.
Khemis's collaboration with Mikey Dub produced tracks like "First and the Last" and "Against The Wall," showcasing his versatile talent. Recently, Khemis released "Showers in the Rain," on Macatak Music, demonstrating his ongoing impact on the music scene. It is the first time, that he is releasing his vibes on Dubophonic Records.
RAZAMAN
Razaman Reggae is a professional vocalist, songwriter and international producer based out of our very own community here in Oregon!
With over 20 years of studying reggae music, Razaman has earned 3 recording contracts with www.loopmasters.com from the U.K. selling his custom vocal packs with a distinct sound in a worldwide scene.
Concert tours have included destinations like Maui, Hawaii/ Mexico City, Mexico/ London, England and Amsterdam, Holland. With 10 years of live performances at the Burningman Festival, trendy Dj Styles vary from early roots reggae up to the latest in digital reggae dub.
An extraordinary music collection combines with the newest mixing boards and technology for a clean sound that audiences love.
