Aloha Inspired
From the Puna Rainforest to the Concrete Jungle
Rockin’ Roots Music for the Masses
Out of many tribes, we are one
The Selassie Ites weave a deep reggae groove with rock and hip-hop flavors. Our love of reggae and its positive message are at the heart of our music. We celebrate the love and community of all people, and through our music, offer an uplifting vibration for all to enjoy.
We hope to see you at an upcoming show.
Ras Tony (Drums), Bassmaster Jesse (Bass), Brother John (Guitar, Backing Vocals),
Brother D (Guitar), Sista C (Vocals, Keyboards), Abba T (Vocals, Keyboards)
The Selassie Ites
The Selassie Ites band, founded by Tyson “Abba T” Black and Cathy “Sista C” Black, were first formed on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2010. The Selassie Ites’ music can be defined as cutting edge, reggae based roots music with rock and hiphop influences. The Selassie Ites are known for their original, often uptempo music, with hard hitting drums, driving basslines and conscious lyrics.
In 2015 the band released its debut album “Fiyah Rock” inspired by a nickname for their home, Moku O Keawe aka the Big Island of Hawaii. In 2016 The Selassie Ites won The Big Island Music Award’s Album of the Year for Fiyah Rock. The band released a singled called “General” in 2019 accompanied by the bands first music video filmed in Pahoa, Hawaii. The Selassie Ites have been blessed to share the stage with some crucial performers including Clinton Fearon, Mike Love and Prezident Brown and have had the honor to back such artists as Soul Medic and Arkaingelle.
In 2021 Abba T and Sista C landed in the Pacific Northwest due to personal family matters. However this opened up a new chapter for the Selassie Ites as well as new opportunities beyond their island home. The Selassie Ites’ first performance in the mainland U.S. was on February 5th 2023 at the Nectar Lounge in Seattle, an event celebrating the birthday of Bob Marley and also featuring artists Arkaingelle and Prezident Brown. The Selassie Ites released a single and video “Selassie The One” with CIJ Productions in January of 2024 and continue to work on releasing new original music.
