Fred Locks & King Alpha – Hail Rastafari

Magic always happens whenever an elder roots singer connects with top-tier modern producers. Out as a 2026 digital drop via Akashic Records, Hail Rastafari matches legendary singer Fred Locks with King Alpha’s earth-shaking UK sound. Structured around traditional sound system traditions, you get a main vocal cut followed by three individual dub versions. Every cut crafts its own world of echo, heavy sub-bass, and deep meditation, so blast this loud to truly fulljoy the hypnotic energy. The singer’s rich, commanding tone stays as distinct as ever, sliding into this heavy backdrop like a glove.

Born Stafford Elliott in Kingston back in 1955, Fred Locks stands as one of the most recognizable voices from the 1970s roots era. He started his musical journey in the late sixties, but it was his 1975 anthem Black Star Liner that put him on the global map. That track set the benchmark for songs centered on Rastafari spirituality, repatriation, and cultural awareness. Over the decades, he built a solid name collaborating with sound systems and independent dub producers across Jamaica, Europe, and North America.

Over in the UK, London duo Ras Collins and Ras Kas, operating out of West London as King Alpha, remain a dominant force in the modern steppers scene. They build their tracks specifically for high-power sound systems, combining chest-rattling sub-bass and digital roots with hypnotic melodies and a mix style focused on delay architecture. They regularly supply exclusive dubplates to international sounds.

Atlanta underground label Akashic Records serves as the spiritual home base for this project. Founded by Mike B., the imprint dedicates itself entirely to meditative roots and dub inspired by Rastafari philosophy. By working with singers like Fikir Amlak and producers like King Alpha, Akashic continue to build a heavy catalog focused on consciousness, livity, and deep musical meditation.