Cancelled Jesse Royal | Anant Pradhan & Larry McDonald | Ayanna Heaven

Jesse Royal is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, performer, and recording artist from Kingston, Jamaica. Through vivid storytelling rooted in the belief of a universal truth, his music carries a message of hope, strength, love, and consciousness. Not just a musician, Royal is a father, a community activist, a thought leader, and a global citizen guided by his spirituality and sense of righteousness. 

Born in the spring of 1989, Jesse spent his early years in the hills of Maroon Town and the District of Orange in St. James before moving in the late 90’s with his mother and brother to join his father in Kingston. As fate would have it, Royal developed a special relationship with Daniel ‘Bambaata’ Marley (son of Ziggy Marley) at school. His friendship with Marley proved to be fuel to the fire as they shared a deep passion for music and football. As these cubs became lions, so grew their devotion to music. With the help of longtime friend Curt ‘Qban’ White, they began composing and creating their own music. And together they proceeded to fulfill what they knew was a predestined musical journey, designed to inspire, engage, and unite people beyond all geographic borders. 

Over the course of his career, Jesse Royal has been blessed to collaborate and create with some of the world’s most respected artists, musicians, and producers, including Sean Paul, Vybz Kartel, Protoje, Chronixx, Noise Cans, Steve Aoki, Damian Marley, Major Lazer, and many others.

In 2017, Jesse Royal began his relationship with the internationally-known label Easy Star Records, releasing his debut album, Lily of da Valley, which he co-executive produced along with Lamar “Riff Raff” Brown. The record featured legendary musicians Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Donald Dennis, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, and Monty Savory. The album was received with critical acclaim and topped the Billboard Reggae Album charts. 

In 2019, Jesse Royal released “LionOrder” featuring Protoje (produced by GRAMMY-nominated producer Sean Alaric), followed by the single “Natty Pablo” in 2020, as part of the roll-out for his highly anticipated full-length sophomore album, Royal, slated for June 2021.

Invoking the sounds of 1960's and 70's Jamaica, saxophonist Anant Pradhan is carrying the traditions of early innovators like Roland Alphonso and Cedric Brooks. Anant continues their legacy alongside one of Jamaica's greatest percussionists, Larry McDonald,who calls Anant "the steward of our music going forward." 

Pradhan, an official member of the current lineup of Jamaica’s legendary Skatalites, has honed his musicianship under some of the pioneers of reggae music. A kindred spirit of McDonald, despite 50 years separating them, Anant Pradhan is a bonafide member of the next generation.

McDonald has over a half century history of recording & performing with artists including Gil Scott-Heron, Taj Mahal, Bob Marley,and Lee "Scratch" Perry. He was honored in July 2011, at the 14th annual Tributes to the Greats award ceremony in Jamaica, with a lifetime achievement award for his 50-year contribution to Jamaican music.

The Anant Pradhan & Larry McDonald band embraces the uncharted. They perform with an explosive sound combining traditional Jamaican folk, roots, soul, and reggae with the spirit & freedom of jazz… A familiar but totally unique sound that represents the groups’s talented musicians. Based in New York City, the band often features members of The Frightnrs, Budos Band, Dap Kings, and more. Their debut recording “Sally’s Song” was released on Brooklyn label Names You Can Trust in 2022, with more to come in 2024.