Up-and-coming reggae artiste Ragga Jahmari, born Raheem Burrell, is hoping to launch his music career even further with his inclusion in this year’s staging of Rastafest in Canada come August.

Ragga Jahmari was selected from a group of talented reggae performers such as Esco, Dawitt St Orbin, Jahdeed, Karbon, King Malakiyah and Jemineye, who auditioned for a chance to showcase their talent on the international stage.

The son of noted audio engineer and producer Nigel Burrell, who co-produced Toots and the Maytals’ Grammy Award winning album Got to be Tough, among several other major projects, Ragga Jahmari credits his passion and talent to the influence of those who have nurtured him.

“I fell in love with music based on the influence and being around reggae music,” he told Observer Online.

Known for his songs such as Strong Melanin, Words of Garvey and Irie and Mellow – a tribute cover to Beres Hammond, the instrumentalist, composer, producer, writer and singer said if he had to describe himself with just one title, it would definitely be producer. He is, however, hoping that his singing and performance at Rastafest will land him more collaborations as he pursues his goal of acclaim on the world stage.

“I want to see myself touring. The goal is to even open for another [big] artiste and push into becoming a world-wide name as a reggae artiste,” Ragga Jahmari said.

For him, “reggae is a community” which grows even stronger when talents combine. “Reggae is a community and a way to bring unity,” he said.

The 22-year-old is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of the West Indies (Mona) in Music and Performance Studies while performing with the band Grvmnt.

Rastafest, produced by Masani Production is Canada’s largest celebration of Rastafari heritage and culture and will be held August 13 -17, culminating in a celebration of Marcus Garvey’s enduring legacy.

“Ragga Jahmari will represent not just Jamaica but the spirit of conscious reggae music and serve as a cultural bridge between generations and nations,” the organisers said.

“It means a lot to me that the organisers saw something in me and included me in the event. Music has done a lot in my favour and has given me this [opportunity] to be seen not only national but internationally,” Ragga Jahmari said.

His selection was revealed on the ‘Buss Dem Big’ music show hosted by Ras Manga and streamed on Studio M radio in Toronto, Black Scorpio radio in Kingston and Reggae Storm radio in London.