Rivas and the Rasta Vibration

“My Haitian neighbours used to blast Bob Marley really loud. I remember as a kid telling my mother, ‘Man, I love the reggae sound and the songs sound right good’,” Rivas recalled.

His first visit to Jamaica came in 2024 when he was 40 years-old. Last May, while in Kingston, the capital, he recorded the song ‘Jah Praises’ with Sangie Davis at Tuff Gong studios.

Rivas and Davis co-wrote the single which was released on August 21.

The dreadlocked American, who produced the song, was aware of Davis’ reputation prior to their first meeting in Kingston two years ago. He knew the Twelve Tribes of Israel mainstay had co-written ‘Wake Up And Live’ with Marley and was an influential figure in Rasta circles.

“To meet Sangie was a dream and very surreal. Working with Sangie was a Godsend,” he said. “He is very easygoing and vibrational. Jah carried the vibration through Sangie which took the lyrics to a catchy melody.”

According to Rivas, he drafted ‘Jah Praises’ in 2025 after reading the first verse of Psalm 24. Shortly after, he met up with Davis who was en route from New York City to Ethiopia. The veteran musician added lyrics and one year later, they went to Tuff Gong with drummers from the Binghistra Movement to record the song.

Compared to the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx, Rochester has a low-key reggae scene. It was after meeting Dean Rhoden, a Jamaican with ties to the Twelve Tribes of Israel, that Rivas decided to make his maiden trip to the music’s home.

Being around Rasta elders like Sangie Davis has impacted his ‘livity’.

“Ever since I left Jamaica, I have lost 100 pounds. The vibration of Rasta livity is strong. I decided to change my diet and outlook, cherishing Jah Jah’s temple,” he stated. “My overall being is more in tune with my wellness and nature.”

‘Righteous’ and ‘Still Waters’ are two of Rivas’ previous songs.

(Photo contributed)