Toots and the Maytals, are a Jamaican musical group and one of the best known ska and rocksteady vocal groups. The Maytals were formed in the early 1960s and were key figures in popularizing reggae music. Their 1968 single “Do the Reggay”, was the first song to use the word “reggae”, naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience. As Island Records founder Chris Blackwell says, “The Maytals were unlike anything else… sensational, raw and dynamic.”

Hailing out of Jamaica, young natives formed what is now known as Royal KhaoZ. The unit’s sole purpose is to bring an energetic and raw vibe through their art, presently in the form of music. Why the name Royal KhaoZ? – “No revolution will be had without chaos, no change without disruption. From the crumbled standards and forms, a royal way of thinking will rise.” The collective comprises of Jermaine “Bama” Williams, Andre “DreTegs” Hawthorne, Kavi “Coco” Forgie and Damion Hawthorne. The group, which officially formed in 2010 out of New York City, has evolved tremendously over the years as they continue to create music that delivers an empowering message to their audience, old and new listeners alike.