Ras Cas Music
Ras Cas & Kalolu The Band
Welcome to Our World
Authentic Caribbean & Rasta Music
Being a musician is not just a profession, but a way of life. It is a path of creative expression and a profound connection to the universal language of music. As a musician, one embarks on a journey of self-discovery, constantly exploring the depths of their own emotions and experiences. Composing becomes a means of translating these innermost thoughts and feelings into melodies, harmonies, and lyrics that resonate with others. The process of producing music is a meticulous craft, where every note, instrument, and sound is carefully chosen to convey a desired message or evoke a particular emotion. It is a delicate balance between technical precision and raw artistic intuition. Beyond the technicalities, being a musician is about touching people's lives, stirring their souls, and provoking thought and introspection. It is about creating an emotional connection, transcending boundaries, and bringing people together through the power of music. The philosophy of being a musician lies in the belief that music has the ability to heal, inspire, and transform both the creator and the listener. It is a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of beauty and truth, an unwavering dedication to the art form that nourishes the spirit and enriches the human experience. Ras Cas, a seasoned musician and composer, has dedicated 26 years to recording soulful music, and he now finds himself in Maui, collaborating with Kalolu The Band. Rooted in the Moi traditions of the island, Ras's musical journey has been shaped by the influential sounds of Buena Vista, Louie Vega, and his time spent with Santana.
Why the Name Kalolū?
"Callaloo" has two distinct meanings. Firstly, it refers to a popular Caribbean vegetable dish with West African origins. The main ingredients include dasheen leaves (also known as Taro or "Kalo" in Hawai'i), okra, pumpkin, coconut milk, crab, and various herbs, creating a harmonious blend where individual flavors are indistinguishable. This dish represents the resourcefulness of enslaved Africans, who repurposed local plants and aromatics into a nourishing staple. Secondly, "Callaloo" can describe a person or group of mixed racial origins, particularly in Trinidad, referred to as the "Callaloo Nation" due to its large mixed-race population.
"Kalo" is the indigenous Hawaiian term for the cultivated plant known as "Taro" (Colocasia esculenta). Native Hawaiians consider Kalo of utmost importance, as it is believed to be the plant from which Hawaiians originated. Taro corms serve as a staple food in various African, Caribbean, Oceanic, and South Asian cultures, with taro being one of the earliest cultivated plants worldwide.
"Lū" is a Hawaiian term meaning "to throw, to scatter (as ashes), to share, to broadcast, or to sow (as seeds)." The word "Callaloo" serves as a metaphor for both the music and the band Kalolū. Similar to the dish, which varies across Caribbean islands, the music has regional variations while providing sustenance and unity to those affected by systems perpetuating economic, mental, and spiritual slavery. Kalolū, the band, consists of members from diverse racial backgrounds, embodying the second definition of "Callaloo."
The chosen name "Kalolū" intentionally combines elements from different Caribbean territories, although spellings may vary (such as "Kalalou"). The significance of the word "Kalo" to the Hawaiian people further inspires the band's musical mission, emphasizing the ability to give and sustain life in challenging circumstances. Moreover, the connection between "Kalo" and the leaves used in Callaloo reinforces the metaphor of Reggae music's global spread from its African roots, with a spiritual center in Ethiopia and subsequent offshoots in various parts of the world, including Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Lastly, the concept of "Lū" symbolizes letting go of grief, liberation of the soul, return to nature, and acceptance of the circle of life through the scattering of ashes and the symbolic act of broadcasting or sowing seeds. Together, Kalolū represents a diverse group, with Caribbean, Hawaiian, and global roots, sharing life-giving and liberating Reggae music inspired by Rastafari.
"Kalo" is the indigenous Hawaiian term for the cultivated plant known as "Taro" (Colocasia esculenta). Native Hawaiians consider Kalo of utmost importance, as it is believed to be the plant from which Hawaiians originated. Taro corms serve as a staple food in various African, Caribbean, Oceanic, and South Asian cultures, with taro being one of the earliest cultivated plants worldwide.
"Lū" is a Hawaiian term meaning "to throw, to scatter (as ashes), to share, to broadcast, or to sow (as seeds)." The word "Callaloo" serves as a metaphor for both the music and the band Kalolū. Similar to the dish, which varies across Caribbean islands, the music has regional variations while providing sustenance and unity to those affected by systems perpetuating economic, mental, and spiritual slavery. Kalolū, the band, consists of members from diverse racial backgrounds, embodying the second definition of "Callaloo."
The chosen name "Kalolū" intentionally combines elements from different Caribbean territories, although spellings may vary (such as "Kalalou"). The significance of the word "Kalo" to the Hawaiian people further inspires the band's musical mission, emphasizing the ability to give and sustain life in challenging circumstances. Moreover, the connection between "Kalo" and the leaves used in Callaloo reinforces the metaphor of Reggae music's global spread from its African roots, with a spiritual center in Ethiopia and subsequent offshoots in various parts of the world, including Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Lastly, the concept of "Lū" symbolizes letting go of grief, liberation of the soul, return to nature, and acceptance of the circle of life through the scattering of ashes and the symbolic act of broadcasting or sowing seeds. Together, Kalolū represents a diverse group, with Caribbean, Hawaiian, and global roots, sharing life-giving and liberating Reggae music inspired by Rastafari.
Original Reggae Music with Purpose
Rs Cas music covers all the musical endeavors of Christopher Castagne a.k.a. Ras Cas, which include creating, producing, and performing original musical works, i.e. Ras Cas the solo artiste, as well as Kalolu (Kalolu The Band) - a diverse collective of musicians with a shared vision of spreading positive messages, building community and supporting sustainability through music and community-based initiatives. Their craft reasons with people who are interested in Caribbean music, reggae music, Rastafari culture, World music, live music, steelpan, permaculture, sustainability, ecology, climate change, social activists, also persons interested in helping others, charitable organizations, family-oriented organizations, initiatives and events, events coordinators, wedding planners, booking agents for live music, restaurants looking for live music, art festivals, music festivals, cultural festivals, conventions, birthday party organizers, "Roots and Shoots" or "Reggae Music from the Roots and Shoots". We want to partner with local farmers, food producers and environmental groups to support these kinds of works, which much of our music speaks about - but our audience also includes families with young children and anyone into spreading positivity and love. To discuss your special event and explore the possibilities, the boss and CEO can be reached confidentially at +1323 842 1416.
Recent Releases
Coming Soon