Singer and Riddimmaker
ABOUT
Asha D is the multifaceted artist of the reggae planet.
Asha D is a key figure in the French reggae scene, known for his versatility, artistic precision, and deep commitment to conscious music. As a musician, singer, producer, and sound engineer, he is the founder of both the respected label Artikal Music and the legendary Artikal Band, with whom he has supported numerous international reggae artists.
Over the years, Asha D has collaborated with a long list of reggae icons, including Sister Carol, Natural Black, The Heptones, Ras Shiloh, Jah Mali, Rod Taylor, and Queen Omega. In the French-speaking world, he has worked closely with artists such as Tiwony, Straïka D, Lyricson, Baby G, MC Janik, and of course, Yaniss Odua, whom he has accompanied on stage since 2010.
He also joined the Marseille-based group The Handcart, performing alongside foundational reggae artists like The Abyssinians, Pablo Moses, The Mighty Diamonds, Al Capone, and Linval Thompson. His journey as a singer began in 1998 with his contribution to the compilation “+ de cœur = soleil,” produced by Pierpoljak (Universal).
Driven by a love for meaningful lyrics and deep, well-crafted riddims, Asha D has built a unique musical identity. As a producer and mix engineer, he oversees every aspect of his music, from writing to arrangement and final mix. In 2019, he co-launched www.riddiminstrumental.com with his partner Dr Vegas, a platform offering high-quality reggae, dancehall, and beatmaking instrumentals. With a steady pace of one new riddim per week, the site now features nearly 450 original instrumentals and has become a go-to resource for artists and producers worldwide.
Asha D’s recent releases further cement his reputation. In 2022, he released The Pressure, a 12-track album featuring Queen Omega and Taïro, followed by the Dub Showcase version. In early 2023, he dropped Roots Meditation, a 6-track EP with Yaniss Odua, Maylan Manaza, Jamaican sax legend Dean Frazer, and harmonica player Harold Wolters. This project also included contributions from the Artikal Band and gospel singer Marie-Annick Nsilulu. In 2024, he released Vivre en Paix, an acclaimed album featuring Pierpoljak and Uman, with horn sections by Guillaume “Stepper” and Jeremy Matteo.
He also released several singles in 2024 and 2025, including “I Love” with Bobby Hustle and “Sweet Reggae Music” with Guy Al Mc. A new full-length album is set to drop in fall 2025.
On stage, Asha D offers several live configurations. In his “Sound” format, he teams up with Lychar from Guiding Star, one of France’s most respected and awarded sound systems, especially known for their soundclash dominance. He also performs in a hybrid duo format with Artikal Fab, blending live bass and drums with an Ableton setup for a modern, dynamic experience that bridges live instrumentation and electronic production. For full-stage performances, he brings the Artikal Band for a powerful, immersive reggae concert.
He has performed in renowned festivals like Berry Zion Festival and France Bleu Festival, and opened for Yaniss Odua on more than 15 dates.
Asha D’s presence extends well beyond the stage. He gathers a growing online audience with over 47,000 followers on TikTok, 8,000 on Instagram, and 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. His tracks are regularly featured in some of the biggest reggae editorial playlists across Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music.
Always moving forward, Asha D continues to create, produce, and connect with artists worldwide—keeping reggae alive with passion, precision, and purpose.