About Me
Dub poet Cleon Golding of Stony Hill, St. Andrew, has been creating waves within the local entertainment realms. Intriguing and lyrically sound, Cleon who goes by the stage name Ras JaJa (The Ancient Future), is the nephew of renowned and well respected dub poet, the late "Ras Pidow" (The Modern Antique). This distinctive artist is a graduate of the Edna Marley College for the Visual and Performing Arts and is currently employed at The Institute of Jamaica as a Graphic Artist.
Ras JaJa’s musical career leapt into action in 1996 when be collaborated with singer Bobby Harris in a single titled, "What a Ting". He later performed this piece at a Human Rights Concert on December 7, 1996, which featured artists such as Tony Rebel, Mutabaruka, and Mykal Rose among others. His first major public appearance, propelled him to even greater exposure, giving rise to his second release (also with Bobby Harris), "Pon di Plantation". His big break came when be delivered a soul-stirring rendition of this poem at the 1998 "Rebel Salute", a main staple of Jamaica’s entertainment calendar.
Ras JaJa continues to blaze the trail with inspiring and incisive poetry of a superb lyrical quality. He co-produced eight records on the Motive label, distributed by Tuff Gong International, and also improved on his first single by compiling an album titled after his first single "What A Ting", produced and distributed by his own label, ‘Motive Production’ which featured thirteen tracks by various artistes.
Ras JaJa has to his credit numerous outstanding performances. Of note was his performance at the National Housing Trust’s Handing over of the Monaltrie Properties in October 2006 under the distinguished patronage of then Prime Minister’s of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller and The Most Hon. P.J. Patterson. His energetic performance was met with resounding applause and high commendations from the Prime Minister’s and former Minister of Education, Hon. Maxine Henry-Wilson.
Ras JaJa has performed at Kings House Ballroom for the "International Year of Volunteers", April 27, 2001. He has also performed at the Institute of Jamaica, the Gleaner Company, Nakumbuka, Lyrical Speaking etc. Ras JaJa has also participated in numerous interviews on programmes such as TVJ’s "Smile Jamaica", IrieFM’s "Entertainment Buzz", Roots FM’s "Poetry in Motion†as well as Hot 102 and Power 106 among others.
In 2004 he heaped to his stock of achievements, the honour of being asked by the Executive Director of the Institute of Jamaica to pen a poem to mark the lOJ’s 125th Anniversary. The poem entitled "IOJ125" outlined the efforts and achievements of the Institute of Jamaica in disseminating and preserving Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage. It was later published in the Sunday Gleaner of November 28, 2004 and now forms part of the Institute Collection, keeper of the island’s material heritage.
Ras JaJa was asked by the National Library of Jamaica to produce a poem for presentation at their outreach programme "Serving the Publishing Community" He wrote the poem "Preservation" which was presented at their launch held at Kingston Bookshop Auditorium, October 31, 2006 followed by a public reading via Power 106 FM.
The Bureau of Women’s Affair also saw Ras JaJa’s inspirational performance at the international Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women" November 23, 2006 which was well received by the audience.
An environmental advocate, his poem "Man" a commentary on the destructive practices of humans in the name of economic wealth, was published in the Sunday Observer of May 27, 2007. He delivered a stirring performance of this poem at the International Day for Biological Diversity Climate Change Forum on May 22 at the Institute of Jamaica. Here he was interviewed by Dr. Donna Hope, host of Hot 102’s "Disclosure". The Poem was then published in the Sunday Observer May 27, 2007 headlined "World Biodiversity Day Explored".
Ras JaJa’s first professional Anthology which consist of 63 poems and photos "The Vibes* is now completed of design and editing, listen to the press for Further development. His current produced singles include "Little Bit a She" and "Opposite a Me", both produced by Rootical Dubber and Fire Lite Productions, these tunes are a must listen and are of their usual thought-provoking and motivational quality.
