Nature Isle News (NIN) has received the news that cultural icon Delmance “Ras Mo” Moses has died.
Writing on his Facebook page Leroy “Wadix’ Charles broke the sad news stating, “Rest in peace, Ras Mo. A cultural Elder, cultural stalwart, drumming and poetry genius author, and musician.”
He continued, ” I have known you since my childhood days as a member of the Aquarian Empression theatrical group and you were scheduled to play a major role in Africa Day celebrations in 2024…journey well my friend. RIP Cultural Elder.”
Ras Mo was a cultural officer and worked at the Cultural Division for several years.
Ras Mo was a dynamic performance poet, master drummer, recording artist, composer, and theater director. Considered one of the pioneers of performance poetry in the Caribbean, Ras Mo has toured the Caribbean, USA, Canada, and England.
His songs and poems are in English and French Creole in genres spanning World music reggae, hip-hop, and Gospel
He performed in spaces spanning classrooms youth and cultural centers to festivals. Now his Pink and Blue Arts for Violence Prevention Project includes performances and presentations of original songs and performance poems entitled Against Violence.
His teaching experience includes spans from Pre-K to college. His Afro Caribbean hand drumming classes at La Peña through the California Arts Council’s Artist in Residence programs teaching in the Music department at UC Berkeley California, Community Center, work in schools, SF juvenile jail, San Francisco Juvenile drug court and youth and community programs throughout the Bay area. One aspect of his work has a strong emphasis is the use of the performing arts for violence prevention with a strong emphasis on gender-based violence and undoing sexism.
We have also heard of the shocking death of Raymond Henderson an educator and media practitioner who worked in the Ministry of Education and also at Kairi FM for a long time.
Our Deepest condolences to their family and friends.
Raymond Henderson