Independent Canadian reggae artist Fredlocks Asher has been creating cutting–edge reggae for a life time, performing the full spectrum of this art form including all the sub-genres of DANCEHALL, DUB, ELECTRONICA, LOVERS’ ROCK, JUNGLE, and ROOTS– ROCK REGGAE.

Fredlocks Asher spent his early years in Jamaica, before immigrating with his family to Toronto, Canada. “When I was born, Bob Marley was already a legend—the music was everywhere,” Reuben said. “I remember it being played loud. The people in Jamaica recognized the prophetic energy of him”. He studied many instruments including drums, bass, and even clarinet prior to specialising as a keyboard player. Fredlocks is a dynamic performer, but his heart is in composition and studio production.

Fredlocks Asher’s first full-length album, Wisdom, garnered nominations at the Canadian Reggae Music Awards in 2001. Toronto producer Jesse King, a.k.a. Dubmatix, tapped Fredlocks Asher in 2003 to contribute lyrics and vocals to his Champion Sound Clash album. This rich mix of dub and electronic reggae went to #3 on the national World Music charts and saw re-release in European and Japanese editions. One song in particular, “Journey to the Center of the Dub,” sent Fredlocks Asher’s voice soaring to the top of radio playlists including #1 Top 40 on CIUT Toronto.

Fredlocks Asher completed his instrumental, Dub Life, in 2004, and followed up with a compilation album titled Ultra Flex Volume One, that showcases his production skills. He is now working on a new dancehall–and–dub release, Race: The Final Frontier, and has re-released a much-anticipated hit single “Rain”, on iTunes. “Rain” is a smooth and bright song about the sacred life–giving waters falling from the sky. Rain truly brings life for so many beings around our world, and Fredlocks is a passionate advocate of water as a human right. The unique healing powers of rain are well known to residents where rain washes away stagnant energy and welcomes new days.

Fredlocks Asher and the Ultra Flex Crew will be performing at McKinney’s Pub on Ash on Saturday, May 8th, at 9pm. There will be a $10 cover.