Jamaica campaign paying off for Ras Zukes

Reggae artiste Ras Zukes says his recent promotional push in Jamaica is paying dividends, with his debut album Mama Tell Me That and single Clarks & Bally, attracting increased attention and opening new doors internationally. Following a two-month campaign from April to June, the artiste says his management team has received interest from promoters in Europe, Africa, Japan and the Caribbean. “Since I re-established my presence on the Jamaican music scene, my album and Clarks & Bally’ have been getting a lot more attention.

It shows me that promoting reggae and dancehall music from Jamaica can catapult you on a global scale,” said Ras Zukes. The campaign included performances and appearances on several major media platforms, including TVJ’s Smile Jamaica, IRIE FM, FAME FM and The Edge FM. He also performed at Dancehall Thursdays, Kingston Night Market and Caveman Rubbadub Garden, among other events.

Since returning to the United States, Ras Zukes has continued to promote his music, recently performing at the Jamaica Independence Celebrations in Hartford, Connecticut. The video for Clarks & Bally, released on July 23, was filmed in several communities, including Flanker and other sections of Montego Bay, Tivoli Gardens, downtown Kingston and Half-Way Tree. Ras Zukes said he deliberately avoided stereotypical depictions of guns, alcohol and violence, choosing instead to feature children enjoying themselves while highlighting a more positive side of Jamaican communities.

“I wanted to show the beauty of the ghettos in Jamaica and the authentic side of Jamaica that the world doesn’t always see,” he said. He also filmed a video for Mama Tell Me That, the title track of his debut album, which is scheduled for release during the first week of September. Produced by Kenneth Thompson, the 11-track Mama Tell Me That was released on February 28, 2025, the birthday of Ras Zukes’ late mother, whose sacrifices and encouragement inspired the project.

Ras Zukes is now hoping to secure appearances on major Jamaican events, including Rebel Salute and Reggae Sumfest. “The coming months are looking really great. I just want to keep putting in the work and take the music to a wider audience,” he said.