Ras Canly

Ras Canly is a multi-talented artist hailing from Tshiombo, a village in the Limpopo province of South Africa. He is a reggae dancehall artist who showcases his talents through singing in Tshivenda, Shona, and English languages.

His musical journey began in 2002 when he started singing at church, performing "items" and honing his skills on instruments such as the piano and guitar. Ras Canly's artistic abilities extend beyond singing, as he also writes, produces, and engineers his own music, all of which he undertakes under his own recording label, "Shatter Music."

In 2017, Ras Canly recorded his debut album, "Mbilu Yanga," at TopShatters studio, which he owns. The album achieved remarkable success, earning the prestigious Song of the Year award at the Tshivenda Music Awards (TSHIMA). This was a significant milestone, as it marked the first time a reggae track held this title. The album's positive reception not only solidified his fan base but also influenced the direction of his music.

His second album, "My Pride," continued his winning streak by securing the Best Male Artist award at the TSHIMA. The third album, "The Journey," further elevated his career by winning both the Best Male and Best Artist of the Year awards at the same prestigious event. In 2021, he released his fourth album titled "Hard to Believe." This album serves as a testimony to his music journey and his life, and it prominently features his new and unique sound, which he refers to as VenDancehall or Venda dancehall. Ras Canly's vision and dedication involve spreading this new sound in the international music landscape.

"The Journey" and "Hard to Believe" albums received nominations at the South African Music Awards (SAMA27 and SAMA28, respectively). This recognition at the national level further solidifies Ras Canly's status as a rising star in the South African music industry.