After a short hiatus Ras Nas is back in full action. A singer-songwriter, guitarist, percussionist and producer from Tanzania. Born in Morogoro (Tanzania), Ras Nas aka Nasibu Mwanukuzi, is an African musician who blends African music and reggae with a dash of poetry. Ras Nas' latest and his second album, Dar-es-Salaam contains roots reggae and soukous. "This is so far the best attempt I have made when it comes to making music. I am proud of the outcome as well as all the musicians who have contributed their share..."

Nasibu has experimented with painting and carving . Started playing music at the age of ten and sang for a while in a church quoir at St.Peter's Cathedral in Dodoma, Tanzania, in 1968.

Listened to a lot of Tanzanian music by master guitarists like Wema Abdallah, the mighty Mbaraka Mwinshehe and his Likembe Mahoka style (from Morogoro), Segere Matata (from Tabora, near Lake Tanganyika on the border to Congo) as well as Michael Enok of Dar Jazz, from Dar-es-salaam o­n the coast of East Africa.

Other influences is from the Congolese maestros like Luambo Luanzo Makiadi and his T.P OK Jazz, Dr. Nico of African Fiesta Sukisa and countless other African musicians who have helped to mold African music and inspired another generation of musicians. More impulses came from Caribbean music of the late 60's which was popular in East Africa. Also influenced by the early reggae greats, the likes of Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, and Linton Kwesi Johnson, to name but a few. All this has helped to shape Ras Nas' musical style.

Nasibu started writing African poetry at the age of 17 and experimented with various forms of African chanting and African drumming. Ran short of paint. Studied Law at the University of Dar es salaam where he graduated with an L.L.B degree in 1984, still keeping the drum sound alive. Worked for a while as a journalist for Daily News as well as a correspondent for Africa Magazine covering mainly cultural issues.

In 1982 Nasibu co-founded a powerful poetry and drama group "SAYARI" in Dar-es-salaam. The group combined African music, poetry, miming, dance and drama and toured extensively in Scandinavia. Moved o­n to Oslo in 1985 to study Mass Communications at the University of Oslo, UIO.

In 1985 he initiated "UMOJA" group in Oslo which blended traditional African music and dance. He also co-founded "ARTISTS FOR LIBERATION", a forerunner to Nordic Black Theater. In 1989 he published his first collection of African poetry, "Double Focus", (Kongoi Productions). Together with Reginald T.Oliver (Papa Lion) and James Toney Jr. he formed NASIBU and the DUAL VISION, a trio that performed Rhythmic Poetry coated with vibral African chanting, harmonies and drumming. The trio changed name to "THE COLD FIRE" bringing in a Zimbabwean bassist, Clive Brown, and produced a music cassette during a tour in Germany.

{mosimage}In 1990 Nasibu went solo and formed his own band under his artist name, RAS NAS. The band had a debut concert in July 1991, at a party to mark the 99th anniversary of His Imperial Majesty Haile Sellasie I. The party was organized by the Rastafari Cultural Foundation in Oslo. The year after, Ras Nas performed for Nelson Mandela, celebrating his release from Robben Island prison. This happened in Oslo, o­n Mr. Mandela's first visit to Norway.

 In 1997 he produced Ras Nas debut CD "Cut You Loose," (Kongoi Productions). (RNCD9701), working together with Charles Mena from Nicaragua, Chuck Frazier ,a musician from Texas and Ishamel de Leon from Trinidad.

Ras Nas tracks can be also be found in other music compilations, the most notable being "AMUN Tropical Acts vol.1", a compilation by African musicians living in Norway and "RAW 2000" by Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide.

Ras Nas is currently putting final touches to his follow up album "Dar-es-Salaam" due to be released in summer 2007. At Oslo Mela Festival in August 2005, Ras Nas with the band performed with the top Norwegian blues guitarist, Knut Reiersrud to tens of thousands. The Festival, arranged by the Horisont Foundation, took place at Oslo City Square.

Some earlier festivals
Oslo World Music Festival - 3rd November 2007
Oslo Mela - 18th August 2007
World Performing Arts and Music Festival - Lahore (Pakistan). Nov. 2006
Oslo Mela Festival (with Ngoma Rhythms). August 2006
Zanzibar International Film Festival (with Mandingo Trio). July 2006