Kulcha Far I, a.k.a. Christopher Hakata, was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa. While in Zimbabwe, Kulcha Far I was exposed to reggae in the 1980s when Zimbabwe won its independence from Rhodesia. Before 1980, reggae was not played on the national radio stations.

Kulcha Far I's true exposure to reggae came when he heard the incredible roots sounds of reggae legends Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Burning Spear, which started being played on the national radio station of the newly independent Zimbabwe. A "live" show in Harare by the London-based reggae group Misty in Roots put the icing on the cake. When Bob Marley performed in Harare, Zimbabwe, during Zimbabwe's independence celebrations on April 18, 1980, reggae solidly grew roots in the life of Kulcha Far I and scores upon scores of Zimbabwean youths.

In late 1984, Kulcha Far I left Zimbabwe for the United States to further his education at the University of Kansas. At that time, poetry was his way to spread his message, which he recited at political rallies and campus gatherings. However, his musical journey truly began when he began jamming with local reggae musicians and bands.

Most notable of the musicians Kulcha Far I has worked with is multi-talented bass player/arranger/producer Keith Abrams, with whom he has collaborated over the years to put together some inspiring musical works. In 2000, Kulcha Far I released to critical acclaim his long-awaited debut CD, Africa Is My Roots. Kulcha's sophomore CD, African Rasta, picks up where Africa Is My Roots left off, showcasing serious-time and Jahful lyrics.

Information submitted by the artist

Musicians

• Kulcha Far I: lead vocals, vocals
• Jason Smith: guitar, vocals
• Ryan "Chatty McNasty" Winters: drums, vocals
• Paul: bass
• Bill: keyboards, trumpet

Influences

Jah Rastafari, Burning Spear, Bob Marley, Ijahman Levi, Israel Vibrations, Prince Far I, Lucky Dube, Alpha Blondy, Midnite Band, Junior Delgado

Albums

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