Bob Marley's 'One Love' actor and artist Ras Ajai talks about playing a role in a major movie, Oscars aspirations, expanding music catalog, and working with Jamaican legend Sean Paul
Ras Ajai celebrating both acting and musical success
The successful 'Bob Marley One Love' biopic, debuted at number one at the box office, grossing over $27 million on its opening weekend and capturing global attention for both Jamaica and musician Ras Ajai, whose born Brian Todd Boucher, at Waterford, St. Catherine.
In his first significant movie role, Ras Ajai portrayed the late Tivoli Gardens don, Claude Massop, who played a pivotal role in organizing the 1978 One Love Peace concert with Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Ras Ajai felt honored to play Claude Massop, finding the role preparation "somewhat easy because I kind of heard stories before about Claude through Dean Fraser."
He added, "I've always been fond of him from the stories I've heard. It was definitely a blessing, and the sacrifices made, like cutting my locs for the role, were worth it. There is only one Bob Marley movie being made, and it's going to last, so I get to be a part of history."
With recognition from the BET Awards for Best Movie, Ras Ajai expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are thankful. It’s definitely a blessing. We love the fact we are making a mark. We’re looking forward to the Oscars now; I believe our name is going to be called heavy at the Oscars.”
He also highlighted the film's significance, stating, "This is the first time Haile Selassie was ever represented on screen, so as a Rastafarian, it's a momentous occasion to be represented."
"When you choose music, you feel at peace, like you belong, and balance is achieved".
Acting is not his only creative avenue as a multitalented individual. Ras Ajai is a well-known artist currently signed with Dutty Rock Productions, Sean Paul’s record label.
"Working with Sean has been a blessing. I learn by watching. I watch how he leads, and I follow his example. I want to mimic his footsteps within this music industry the way that he's made an impact on the genre, on the world."
Coming off the "Greatest Tour" with Sean Paul in May across the USA, Ras Ajai described the experience as "amazing," emphasizing his preference for live performances over streaming. "I prefer performing live, real-time, person to person. That's my vibe. Streaming-wise, I'm still trying to figure out the streaming game. It makes no sense to me. But performing is always what makes sense to me. Performing live with a band, with the engagement of the fans, that's magic," he said.
Ras Ajai's path to music wasn't straightforward. Initially working in accounting for the Ministry of National Security, he realized his true passion was music, which began as a hobby at church and school.
"Music started as a hobby, but my love for it grew. Music can make your life miserable if you don't choose it. When you choose music, you feel at peace, like you belong, and balance is achieved", resonated Boucher.
“Whatever your calling is, it will give you a sense of fulfillment, belonging, and the feeling that you're leaving a mark. This is where I'm supposed to be. That's how music felt for me.”
Ras Ajai didn’t limit himself to just one role
When asked about his music style, Ras Ajai explained that he started with reggae but now embraces various genres. "I might be in a hip-hop song, an R&B song, Afrobeat, pop, dancehall, reggae, country, whatever. I've evolved to just a musician. I don't want to be put in a box."
His decision to become an artist is not about distancing himself from his Jamaican heritage but rather about releasing the expectations tied to it.
Ras Ajai’s discography is expansive, from writing JN advertisements to writing "Cause Trouble" for Chi Ching Ching, who also joined him on tour. His single "No Drop U Guard" on Sean Paul’s Brimstone Riddim, released in February alongside singles by Busy Signal and Sean Paul, has solidified his presence in the music scene.
“You get to rub shoulders with the family, with Sean, and then you get to see what a good project does when you're touring. It's a blessing to be part of that,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Ras Ajai has many projects in store, both on screen and in music. "I'm hungry for more. We've done auditions for more projects and are waiting on the call. We just dropped a single, 'Don’t Change,' about staying true to friends and family. The music video, shot in New York, is out now, and it’s a blessing to travel and shoot videos."
"I also have a reggae single called 'Justice' coming soon, as well as an album with Dutty Rock, so there’s a lot in the pipeline", Ras Ajai elaborated.
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