Paapa Wastik and Ras Indio plus Royal Majestic Sound

Tonight's concert features two of the most innovative names in reggae from countries not known for the style - Paapa Wastik of Ghana and Ras Indio from Belize - with Oakland/East Coast sound system Royal Majestic Sound providing the deep record grooves before and between the bands. It is also a fundraiser for Wastik's Support the Needy Children Project; money raised will help STNCP build a community eco-village for youth in Ghana to plant and harvest their creative abilities, as well as encourage communal sustainable environmental projects.

From Cape Coast, Ghana (West Africa), Paapa Wastik is on world tour singing hits from his original albums, including his new CD, "Unity for Africa." Wastik's dancehall-based style is one he calls "Roots-Life Music," a fusion of reggae, soca, soul, highlife, and African classical/traditional music. From the time he was 5 years old, Paapa Wastik has made music, first drumming and singing in church and schools. His faith in Rastafarianism became so strong that he dedicated his life to singing uplifting and positive messages and using his music to better people's lives. In recent years he has performed at many of the world's reggae festivals and in concerts around the U.S. His concert tours allow him to spread the word of the Support the Needy Children Project that he launched in 2006, a grassroots initiative that supports, educates, and empowers underprivileged school children in Ghana.

Award-winning hardcore reggae-dancehall star Ras Indio, from Belize, spreads uplifting vibes with such songs as "Powers of the Most High," "Push Up the Fire," and "Stay Positive." In addition to composing and singing, he operates a full-service recording studio for his own works as well as other up and coming Belizean artists. Born in Los Angeles to Belizean parents, Ras Indio (David Cynque Obi) continues the musical lineage of his father, a well-known Belizean musician and the innovator of Belizean Kungo music. As a youth, Ras Indio relocated to Belize, learning the keyboards with the guidance of his father. He started performing at local events throughout Belize at age 12 as the keyboardist in his father's band, Tribal Vibes, which took him to Mexico, Europe, and the U.S. Upon returning to Los Angeles at age 21, he and a cousin and friend he created L.A.'s first Belizean hip-hop/dancehall group, Da Wood Dwellas, which toured and appeared on MTV. In 1999 Ras Indio moved back to Belize and launched his solo career with an album, "Free Up Mi Nation." More songs and awards have followed.