Home → Overview → Blues Artists → Ras Smaïla

Ras Smaïla

Afrofreakin'Funkysoul'n'Blues

Ras Smaïla hails from Yoruba land (Nigeria and Benin). Ras Smaïla grew up between Africa (the Mother land), London and other places in "Babylon". Daddy bought him a guitar when he was six. Mummy tried again when he reached thirteen and really caught on it. And just like anyone needs to know alphabet before being able to read, the young boy had to learn his blues well before he should turn a rock star like FELA or Elvis as Ras Smaïla told his parents he would be. Needless to say to Mum's utmost disappointment. But let the boy boogie woogie!!! Along with Soul music, Funk or Rock 'n' Roll, Delta blues men like Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker or Mississippi John Hurt and all the good old African and Caribbean steaming music (Apala, Afro beat, Salsa, Reggae, Compa...) rocked him all his youth until Ras Smaïla was told that Muddy Waters had invented electricity. In early 1980's London, Ras Smaïla was leader of the funky blues band Break For The Border. Ras Smaïla then began to be seen on European bandstands. It sure was a great thrill when standing on stage with the giants who influenced him: Memphis Slim, John Lee Hooker, Luther Allison... In April 1999 French record company NIGHT & DAY released Ras Smaïla's first CD Black Man's Blues. A good attempt to pay his dues to the blues to quote the excellent critic that followed. He also sound tracked the US version of Med Hondo's film Watani. His second CD True Story on DixieFrog is available worldwide since March 2003. It's a crossover between all good vibes gathered around the globe.

Home → Overview → Blues Artists → Ras Smaïla