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When you think of lyrical coordination, potency, depth and musical inclination in present day Jamaica, not many names come to mind. And for the few that do, you’ll realize that most of these artistes have given at least 25 years or more to the art form and business known as Reggae muzik and they are still making their contributions, whether they are alive or deceased.Still, all is not lost, for we are now embracing a new upsurgence of positive, bold and extremely creative energies garnered by a few young artistes,eg; Sizzla, Ras Shiloh, Jah Mason, Tanya Stephens, Turbulence, Junior Kelly, Jah Cure, U.T. Ras, Norris Man and Natural Black) just to name a few.U.T. Ras, born Gary Moulton is the fourth of 8 siblings. He is the first child for his mother, Marion Roache, and the fourth and last child for his father Sylvester Moulton (deceased 1987). His childhood life has been nomadic, rugged, challenging and in his accurate summary, “it has been a bitter stretchâ€.Coming from a broken home, Gary (U.T Ras) was brought to Denham Town, Kingston at the tender age of three years old. He attended a basic school within the community. As swiftly as he was brought to Kingston, it was with that same urgency he was shipped back to Darliston, Westmoreland, his place of birth. Here he resided for six years. At age nine, he was then relocated to Kingland, Kitson Town, St. Catherine to live with some people who he regarded essentially as strangers. He was then enrolled at the Kitson Town All Age School, which he attended irregularly – as U.T. Ras clearly states that he was more of a farming assistant (“sheperd bwoyâ€) than a student. (Unfortunately, these are some of the difficulties that are faced many Jamaican youths.)Remarkably, his journey to muzik began at Kitson Town All Age, as is the case for many Jamaican singers and djs. Music was made from pounding on a desk or chair in a classroom during recess or lunchtime or when a teacher was absent from or late for a specified class. One would either sing or dj on those somewhat rugged but steady riddims. For U.T, dj-ing was his calling.With little education, Gary left school and Kitson Town to resettle in Vineyard Town, Kingston, at the age of 16, where he learned the techniques of welding and automotive spray painting. U.T. would perform at various entertainment events held in his community, where he was often encouraged by community members to take his talent seriously.Between the ages of 19-20 U.T sighted Ras Tafari as his way of life. He subsequently recorded his debut single ‘Prayer’ for Mikey Bennett, then Grafton label in the year 1995, at the age of 24. Moving from Grafton, he then did some recordings for Penthouse’s Donovan Germaine, Tony Rebel’s Flames Production, for producer Chris Kelly, a single entitled ‘Two Laws Inna Jamaica’ was released on the K-Licious label and for Kariang Music Limited ‘Divine’, ‘The Way She Trod’ and ‘Africa Bound’ released in 2003 and 2004. U.T. Ras recorded two combination tracks, one with the distinguished singer/songwriter Jimmy Cliff entitled ‘Positive Energy’ and the other with once dancehall diva, now Christian advocate, Chevelle Franklyn, ‘Nice and Naughty (remix)’, both in 1997.Year 2000, saw U.T Ras performing dynamite set at Sashi. And in 2003 displayed spectacular showmanship at Garnet Silk’s Birthday Bash and also completed a collaboration with Japan’s biggest rapper, Zebra, on a track entitled ‘Big Big Money’. Presently in 2004 U.T. Ras has made himself a mainstay with Naciamaj..Grillaras Production who has produced and released a compilation cd entitled ‘Da Good Times Riddim’ which features the likes of Capleton, Jah Mason, Anthony B, Norris Man, Natural Black, Daddigon, Chrisinti, Richie Spice and others, presently available in leading record stores islandwide.U.T. Ras is currently putting down the final touches on his highly anticipated debut album “THe Bitter Stretchâ€, produced and engineered by Grillaras's Khabir ‘Kabs’ Bonner.--------Musicologist, T. Boots Harris, had this to say about U.T. Ras’ work
“Realizing his gift as a songwriter, singer, musician and a recording artiste, U.T. Ras is conscious of the challenges that are ever present in the pursuit of excellence within a very competitive music industry.
U.T Ras and his production company, Grillaras, represents a new, clear approach to reggae music. Over the last two years this resilient brother has demonstrated his ability to get the attention of those who have come in contact with his music and the music Grillaras.
An accurate example is portrayed through Naciamaj’s compilation the “Good Times Rhythm†that features U.T Ras with Jam Down Rock, Capleton- Stepping Up, Daddigan – Captive, Chrisinti – Good Day, Jah Mason – Do It and Bushman – Rasta Nuh Dead.
Along with several other top Jamaican artistes, U.T Ras brings a unique style to Jamaican Dancehall, in that his sound coupled with his ability to tell, adds a new dimension to his production team Grillaras.
U.T Ras echoes a call through his music to the consciousness, his music also brings into sharp focus an in-depth overstanding of Reggae and Rastafari, the foundation on which both he and Grillaras have relied on in regards to directing their path musically.
U.T Ras’ revolutionary spirit has propelled him into the hearts of the conscious, while also impacting on the hype-driven generation, who are constantly searching for a positive message. His ability to mobilize, educate and inspire makes him very special in these crucial times.---------
