Donny Rasta's Live Backing Band
JAHBUDDA!
JAHBUDDA!
The Full Live Experience
JAHBUDDA! is a powerful San Francisco Bay Area reggae band carrying forward the rich traditions of roots reggae, conscious music, and live cultural expression. Known for their deep grooves, authentic island rhythms, and uplifting stage presence, the band blends classic roots reggae with Bay Area energy — creating a sound that is both timeless and fresh.
Fronted by Bay Area reggae veteran Donny Rasta as lead singer, JAHBUDDA! delivers performances rooted in unity, positivity, and conscious vibrations. The group has become a respected presence in the Northern California reggae scene, backing live performances throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
The band is made up of seasoned musicians with decades of performance and recording experience alongside internationally known reggae artists and respected Bay Area reggae groups.
Meet the Musicians
Six seasoned artists with decades of combined roots reggae experience
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Donny Rasta
Lead Vocals · Frontman
30+ year roots reggae veteran and frontman of JAHBUDDA!. Born in San Antonio, Texas, Donny brought his passion for Roots & Culture to the Bay Area in the early ’80s. Known for powerful vocals, conscious lyrics, and dynamic stage presence — he commands every performance with his message of peace, love, and unity.
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Big Vic Hollingsworth
Lead Guitar · Band Leader
Bandleader and lead guitarist for JAHBUDDA!, Big Vic Hollingsworth is a respected Bay Area reggae musician and owner of Lions Den West Rehearsal Studios. Over the years, he has performed and recorded with numerous reggae artists and groups including Sista I Live, Blakk Lung, Victor Essiet and the Mandators, Tychia Amet and the Lighthouse Band, Lick Shot Posse, The Itals, and Reggae Angels. His leadership and musicianship provide the backbone of the JAHBUDDA! sound.
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michael bause
Keyboards
A longtime cornerstone of the Bay Area reggae scene, Michael Bauce has been performing reggae music for over four decades. As a founding member of Lambsbread in the early 1980s, Michael has shared stages with reggae legends including Burning Spear, Aswad, Jimmy Cliff, Andrew Tosh, and Alpha Blondy. He has also backed iconic artists such as Ras Michael, Pablo Moses, and Tony Tuff. His soulful keyboard work adds authentic roots flavor and musical depth to JAHBUDDA!’s live performances.
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ras joe gell
drums
Ras Joe Gell is an accomplished drummer and African percussionist with more than twenty years of experience performing roots reggae, ska, rocksteady, and nyabinghi music. His career has included performances and recordings with artists throughout Los Angeles, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern California. Ras Joe has worked with artists such as Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus, Tuff Lion, General Smiley, Sol Medic, and many others. His deep spiritual connection to nyabinghi drumming and authentic reggae rhythms gives JAHBUDDA! a powerful and dynamic live foundation.
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Manny San Gabriel
bass
Originally from Puerto Rico, Manny San Gabriel grew up surrounded by American and Latin music, art, and culture. He began playing bass guitar at age sixteen and later relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area to further pursue music professionally. Manny currently performs with several reggae bands and projects throughout Northern California. Influenced heavily by legendary bassist Aston “Familyman” Barrett, Manny brings a deep, melodic reggae groove to the band.
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Isaiah "Zabba" Smith
Rhythm Guitar
A third-generation reggae artist, Isaiah “Zabba” Smith carries reggae music through his family bloodline. Inspired by the musical legacy of both his grandmother and mother, Zabba brings a grounded and soulful approach to rhythm guitar. His steady grooves and natural feel help keep the roots tradition alive while adding youthful energy to the band’s sound.
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Rickey Locket
2nd Keybord
Riley Lockett is an Oakland based animator and musician, specializing in funk and jazz. He works as an elementary school librarian and high school animation teacher.