I-taweh and his all-star Jamaican band the Reggae Lions, featuring the legendary trombonist Nambo Robinson, are on tour making their Ashkenaz debut in a double bill with young singer Naia Kete, who made a big splash in her first Ashkenaz show in September.

Naia Kete’s music is a personal and political soul-trip, as grounded and articulate as it is emotive. Her mix of soul and jazz with inspiring lyrics makes for a rousing live performance. Kete grew up in the hills of western Massachusetts, where she played and sang in her family reggae band. Now living in Los Angeles, she writes her songs from the heart. “Community is so important to me,” she explains. “A lot of what I try to convey in my music is that I feel like it’s truly time for the people of the world to unite in order to create peace and joy. It has to start in the home, and next in your extended family and community. I wouldn’t be singing and writing in the way that I do if it wasn’t for the people who have touched my life and heart so dearly.”

Known today as the Reggae Lion, Donavan “I-taweh” Cunningham was born in the hills of St. Ann, Jamaica. He began his musical career when he moved to Kingston in 1992, gaining a reputation for his guitar playing. He soon became the youngest member of the original Nyabinghi group Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, which toured extensively, then moved on to be band leader for Sugar Minott and guitarist for Everton Blender, among others. His guitar work can be heard on dozens of reggae stars’ recordings. After 17 years as a supporting musician, I-taweh has stepped forward with his own voice and style, drawing strength from his deep experiences. His music reflects his passion for human rights and social justice.

“As a backing musician playing for other artists, I toured the world playing in Asia, North, South and Central America, Australia, Europe and the Caribbean Islands. It feels good to be coming back through to these places as a solo artist and having so many of my fans come out for the show,” says I-taweh. “I really appreciate and feel the love.”