Rob Dread is a multi-instrumentalist/vocalist who has shared the stage with a variety of musical giants: King Yellowman, Burning Spear, Phil Collins, George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars, Inner Circle, Third World, Morris Day and the Time, Bobby “Blue” Bland, The Gap Band, The Itals, KRS-1, Gregory Issacs, The Ark Band, Dougie Simpson, The Flex Crew, Joseph Hill and Culture, The Stylistics, The Wailers, and Men at Large to name a few.
Rob Dread was introduced to Reggae music in the late 80’s by Ciam Carr while the two them covered bass and guitar in the international west African tour band “The Riddem Afrique” and was highly influenced by The Ark Band, Identity and The Ras Bonghi All Stars as well as Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, 3rd World, Aswad, Steel Pulse, The Abyssinians, and the Ethiopians.
Being a descendant of Ethiopia and Washitaw, reggae music and its way of soothing the soul touched Rob in a manner that could not be denied. It felt like being at home. This is the music that can and will unite the family. “The Whole of We”. The family being all of the people.
After touring extensively in the Ras Bonghi band Rob did a stint with Identity/Nu-Sonics. Identity was the 1st stateside Reggae band to sign to a major label. Rob then founded “The Dub Enforcement Agency” with Doctah X in 1995 and started the reggae series at Atomic Cafe in Lexington, KY. which ran until 2016 when the venue closed its doors due to the owner’s retirement. The KMA (Kindread Music Association) was formed in 1997 when Rob and Doctah X decided to expand in different directions. Rob Dread and the KMA did an extensive tour of the midwest as well as various Indigenous Nations throughout the region and have continued to perform venues and festivals throughout Kentucky and Ohio.
Music downloads from Rob Dread are available worldwide on all digital stores. Currently Rob Dread and the KMA can be seen regularly at Patchen Pub and throughout the region.
Rob Dread – lead vocals/keyboards
Mosi Adisa – percussion/drums (RIZ)
Max Ballestero – guitars/vocals
Wendell Rodgers – guitars/vocals
Scobee O’Hearn – bass
Chad Gravitt – drums
Travis Taylor – keys/sax
