Biography
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, Ras Pidow ranks among the earliest advocates of the Rastafari movement and carries the title ‘the recognised elder of the rainbow throne of the nyahbinghi theocratic order’. During the 1950s and 1960s, adherents of Rastafari faced ostracism within Jamaican society, a stigma that persists among the nation’s elite. His enduring commitment to Rastafari principles led him to accompany fellow believers on a journey intended to ‘spread the word of Jah’, culminating in a widely praised 1989 presentation at the Smithsonian Institute. From the late 1980s into the early 1990s the ensemble traversed the United States, highlighted by a notable appearance at the Smithsonian’s National Folk Festival in which Pidow took the lead role. Bongo Shep, Ras Marcus, Ras Headful, Ras Tawny, Ras Bigga and Sista Bubbles, performing together as the Rastafari Elders, supported him on that occasion. The ensemble’s contribution drew favorable coverage and critical praise from the Washington Post. Prompted by that notice, Ras Records arranged studio sessions that yielded the 1991 album Rastafari Elders. The well-received collection encouraged Pidow to pursue a solo project; his debut, Modern Antique, presented the ‘storyteller/teacher/priest’ delivering dub poetry atop nyahbinghi drumming and reggae rhythms supplied by the Roots Radics. Having established residence in Baltimore, USA, Pidow enlisted Ras Ed, Elijah, Maryoi and Ras Levi for an American tour whose purpose was to ‘continue to spread the word’. Alongside his ensemble he shared bills with Jah Levi And The Higher Reasoning and the Washington-based Soul Defenders. These successful engagements elevated his standing within reggae circles, leading to performances with Culture, the Itals and Burning Spear. Throughout the 1990s he sustained his tributes to Haile Selassie via his own dub band on television, radio and concert stages.
Albums
