INI ONENESS

Heralding from the Chapeltown district of Leeds, Yorkshire, INI Oneness have been operating as a DJ, vocals and promotions collective for many years. Foundation members Ras Natural and Ras Iyah have been central to the movement of INI Oneness alongside guest DJ's and vocalists Kwasi Asante, Sister Rebeka, Simply Dread, Milo and Sammy Dread to name but a few.

INI Oneness established themselves on the reggae scene as members of the 'Ironworks Crew' (Dread & Fred's vocal section). Over the years INI Oneness have been DJ'ing across the UK and Europe on a regular basis (sometimes using the name 'Solomonic Roots') and are currently fronting the UK Players. INI Oneness's history stands with many recorded releases (see Discography), appearances on regional TV, FM radio, and ongoing works with Dread & Fred, Aba-Shanti, and the Twinkle Brothers amongst others.

RAS NATURAL

Raised in Coventry in the midlands, it was here at an early age that Ras Natural began writing music and getting involved with sound system culture. Upon moving to Leeds, Ras Natural took up a residency at Freedom Music Radio (FMR) throughout 1991. During the course of this time, a friendship developed with Dread & Fred which in turn led to Ras Natural being invited to write and contribute vocals to the track 'Highest Region' for their second studio album entitled 'On High' (Jah Shaka Records).

Around this time Ras Natural started up INI Oneness with Ras Iyah... promoting roots music in Leeds and DJ'ing prolifically across Great Britain. INI Oneness has seen Ras Natural ceaseless and selfless in his travels to bring the uplifting sound and message of Rastafari to the masses.

Ras Natural has many recorded works (see Discography), and in 1997 he linked up with the UK Players, providing lead vocals to the debut single 'Further'. Whilst touring to promote the single, vibes between INI Oneness and the UK Players grew stronger and stronger and continue to this day.

Ras Natural is a true Solomonic Warrior. His soft spoken voice belies a powerful stage presence. Whether DJ'ing as Oneness Sound or vocalling with the UK Players, the audience can't help but feel this vocalists vibe.

RAS IYAH

As a young child, Ras Iyah enjoyed singing along to the records in his parents collection, especially the reggae. As he grew up, he was taken by a relative to a couple of Rastafari meetings. It was meeting with these Rasses that strengthened the vibration he was getting from listening to reggae music.

Whilst in the later years of school Ras Iyah's spiritual side came forward strongly. Around 1980-81 he came together with some like minded brethren's and built a sound called 'Tigerman'. He never sang at all in those days, but would DJ with the sound. Ras Iyah's first experience with live music was in 1984 when he visited a youth project centre called 'First Base'. Here, he met a band called 'Matamba' and began to sing with them.

Between the years 1986-88 he was lightly involved with a couple of other local bands, one being known as 'Riddim Squad', and the other called 'Livestock'. More sound system involvement came with 'Universal', and 'Maverick International', both being Leeds based. A link with a brethren called Stallion led to him performing in combination in a singer and DJ fashion, also performing PA's with a backing band called 'Stone Roots' which continued until 1990.

In 1991 Ras Iyah met Ras Natural and began working alongside Dread & Fred as members of the 'Ironworks Crew'. It was around this time that INI Oneness was formed and Ras Iyah cut releases for the 'Dread beat' and 'Dub Venture' labels. Throughout the 90's Ras Iyah moved and provided vocals for INI Oneness, carrying his voice to many peoples. During the course of this time, strong links were made with 'The Shanti-Ites'.

In 1998 'Ras Iyah, INI Oneness with The Shanti-Ites' released an album entitled 'Rasta Soul-Jah'. It is an album which showcases Ras Iya's vocals to the full, with the unmistakable sound of The Shanti-Ites providing musical backing.

With Ras Iyah working with INI Oneness alongside the UK Players, anyone fortunate enough to make it to a gig should be prepared for some of the sweetest vocals this side of Jamaica.

THE UK PLAYERS AND INI ONENESS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SEVENTH SENSE STUDIO, HAVE SUCEEDED IN CREATING A SUPERB SOUND. TAKING ROOTS AND DUB BACK WITH CONVICTION AND DEDICATION, INTO AN INFECTIOUS VIBE.

Check the sound file and information page for 'Take Heed' on our Audio Page