When you think of lyrical coordination, potency, depth and musical inclination in present day Jamaica, not many names come to mind. And for the few that do, you'll realize that most of these artistes have given at least 25 years or more to the art form and business known as Reggae muzik and they are still making their contributions, whether they are alive or deceased.
Still, all is not lost, for we are now embracing a new upsurgence of positive, bold and extremely creative energies garnered by a few young artistes,eg; Sizzla, Ras Shiloh, Jah Mason, Tanya Stephens, Turbulence, Junior Kelly, Jah Cure, U.T. Ras, Norris Man and Natural Black) just to name a few.
U.T. Ras, born Gary Moulton is the fourth of 8 siblings. He is the first child for his mother, Marion Roache, and the fourth and last child for his father Sylvester Moulton (deceased 1987). His childhood life has been nomadic, rugged, challenging and in his accurate summary, "it has been a bitter stretch".
Coming from a broken home, Gary (U.T Ras) was brought to Denham Town, Kingston at the tender age of three years old. He attended a basic school within the community. As swiftly as he was brought to Kingston, it was with that same urgency he was shipped back to Darliston, Westmoreland, his place of birth. Here he resided for six years. At age nine, he was then relocated to Kingland, Kitson
Town, St. Catherine to live with some people who he regarded essentially as strangers. He was then enrolled at the Kitson Town All Age School, which he attended irregularly - as U.T. Ras clearly states that he was more of a farming assistant ("sheperd bwoy") than a student. (Unfortunately, these are some of the difficulties that are faced many Jamaican youths.)
Remarkably, his journey to muzik began at Kitson Town All Age, as is the case for many Jamaican singers and djs. Music was made from pounding on a desk or chair in a classroom during recess or lunchtime or when a teacher was absent from or late for a specified class. One would either sing or dj on those somewhat rugged but steady riddims. For U.T, dj-ing was his calling.
With little education, Gary left school and Kitson Town to resettle in Vineyard Town, Kingston, at the age of 16, where he learned the techniques of welding and automotive spray painting. U.T. would perform at various entertainment events held in his community, where he was often encouraged by community members to take his talent seriously.
Between the ages of 19-20 U.T sighted Ras Tafari as his way of life. He subsequently recorded his debut single 'Prayer' for Mikey Bennett, then Grafton label in the year 1995, at the age of 24. Moving from Grafton, he then did some recordings for Penthouse's Donovan Germaine, Tony Rebel's Flames Production, for producer Tony Kelly, a single entitled 'Two Laws Inna Jamaica' was released on the K-Licious label and for Kariang Music Limited 'Divine', 'The Way She Trod' and 'Africa Bound' released in 2003 and 2004. U.T. Ras recorded two combination tracks, one with the distinguished singer/songwriter Jimmy Cliff entitled 'Positive Energy' and the other with once dancehall diva, now Christian advocate, Chevelle Franklyn, 'Nice and Naughty (remix)', both in 1997.
Year 2000, saw U.T Ras performing dynamite set at Sashi. And in 2003 displayed spectacular showmanship at Garnet Silk's Birthday Bash and also completed a collaboration with Japan's biggest rapper, Zebra, on a track entitled 'Big Big Money'. Presently in 2004 U.T. Ras has made himself a mainstay with Grillaras Productions who has produced and released a compilation cd entitled 'Da Real Time Riddim' which features the likes of Capleton, Norris Man, Daddigon, Chrisinti, Micky General and others, presently available in leading record stores islandwide.
