Ras Canly

BIO

Real name Funanani Canly Phalanndwa, Ras Canly is a dynamic and multi-talented reggae dancehall artist from Tshiombo, a village in Limpopo, South Africa. With a unique musical style that blends Tshivenda, Shona, and English, he has carved out a distinctive presence in the industry as a singer, songwriter, producer, and sound engineer.

His musical journey began in 2002 when he started performing in church, refining his vocal abilities while learning to play instruments such as the piano and guitar. Driven by a passion for music, Ras Canly established his recording label, Shatters Music, under which he writes, produces, and engineers his work.

In 2017, he released his debut album, Mbilu Yanga, which was recorded at his TopShatters Studio. The album's success was groundbreaking, earning him Song of the Year and Best Male Artist at the Tshivenda Music Awards (TSHIMA)—making history as the first reggae track to achieve this accolade. This milestone solidified his reputation and set the stage for future releases. His second album, My Pride, followed in 2018.

Continuing his upward trajectory, Ras Canly released The Journey in 2019, which earned him Best Male Artist and Artist of the Year at the TSHIMAs. His fourth album, Hard to Believe (2021), showcased his evolving sound, which he refers to as VenDancehall (tshiVenda Dancehall). The album featured notable collaborations, including reggae artist Reign Afrika. Over the years, he has worked with esteemed artists such as Ras Caleb (Zimbabwe), Lutan Fyah (Jamaica), and Maumela Mahuwa, among others. Since 2021, he has expanded his discography with two EPs (My 5 Vol. 1 & 2) and two albums (HIM and Progress Over Perfection).

Beyond studio work, Ras Canly has captivated audiences at major live performances, including Catch a Fire, Mzansi Reggae, and Black Labone reggae festivals/events. His influence reached international platforms when he was featured on the Reggaeville Facebook page, further amplifying his mission to take VenDancehall to the global stage.

His artistry has also been recognized at a national level, with The Journey and Hard to Believe receiving nominations at the South African Music Awards (SAMA27 and SAMA28, respectively). With a growing fan base and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Ras Canly continues to push boundaries, shaping the future of South African reggae and dancehall music.