Zimbabwean Ras Caleb makes the Jamaican connection

Growing up in the southeastern city of Masvingo in Zimbabwe during the 1980s, reggae artiste and television presenter Ras Caleb was exposed to Jamaican music by his uncles who were always playing reggae and dancehall music in the house.

With the 1990s came a new era in popular culture in Zimbabwe, as sound systems sprung up all over the country, and reggae and dancehall music grew in popularity.

"In those days I used to write down the lyrics of popular dancehall songs like Murder She Wrote and practised singing them. Eventually, I began writing my own lyrics and started performing on sound systems all over my city," said Ras Caleb, whose given name is Calleb Tareka.

Although Ras Caleb has worked with Jamaican producers, he's never been to the island.

"Last year, I was featured on the Arising album which was produced by GassieInk. I also recorded a song on Conroy Smith's Reggae Still Alive rhythm album, but I've never been to Jamaica. Visiting the land of reggae and dancehall music is something that I plan to do very soon," he said.

Ras Caleb is currently promoting his new reggae single Takasangana Mumarket. The song, which was produced by Conroy Smith, is one of the featured tracks on Reggae Still Alive which was released in January.

Ras Caleb is known in Zimbabwe for songs such as Rossy and Zvenhema.