Although now popular in the soca genre for the last decade, Richard Anthony Spence, popularly known as DJ Richie Ras, who started a career around the wheels of steels 27 years ago, never knew that he would take the genre this seriously when he first started his career. 

Now, as the 2024 Carnival season continues, he is looking forward to delivering the best entertainment value at the Campari-sponsored events throughout the carnival season. 

The widely accepted DJ, who also launched a professional career in 2007 at the request of his parents, after completing his undergraduate degree in sociology at the University of the West Indies and a master’s of business administration (MBA) in human resource management at the Mona School of Business, spent some time telling us more not only about himself, but also what patrons can expect from him this  Campari Carnival season.

1. What sparked your passion for DJing and music?

DJ Richie Ras: My surroundings played a big part in this as I was surrounded by entertainment-driven environments and musical equipment, so being in that space, I played around with these things and got more familiar with them and saw how people reacted to music. I grew in love with that, as I could influence the mood of people and that fuels me.

2. Can you share a memorable moment from your journey as a DJ so far?

DJ Richie Ras: My first international show which was in Oakland, California. Coppershot was also on the show, but just to travel to another side of the world to see people or places where you’ve never been and they show you love and appreciation. Travelling to another side of the world and seeing the respect and appreciation received from people you have never seen before, was definitely a memorable moment for me.

3. What is your favourite Campari mix? 

DJ Richie Ras: Campari mixed with a little white rum and ting. That’s a vibe right there!

4. Yardmas & Xodus have united under the Campari brand. What is your view on this?

DJ Richie Ras: Seeing two strong Jamaican bands unite under the Campari brand is a great look for the industry and can only help to further develop the Carnival brand In Jamaica.

5. Do you have any pre-performance rituals or routines?

DJ Richie Ras: I like to walk the crowd and put myself in the place of a patron.  I would go in the crowd and spend a few minutes there just to feel the energy and get an understanding as to where the people are. That allows me to assess what I need to do to move them. 

6. Outside of music, what are some of your other interests or hobbies?

DJ Richie Ras: I like putting on events, I have a brand I’m working on now called soca city, I enjoy sleeping, watching movies and trying to live a normal low-key life. 

7. What can fans expect from Richie Ras this Campari Carnival season?

DJ Richie Ras: Action! Expect the best! Expect all the music you expect to hear and more! A part of my brand is to always consistently deliver on what is expected.

8. Where can fans go to see Richie Ras throughout this Campari Carnival season?

DI Richie Ras: Look out for me at I Love Soca on Easter Monday and among the Campari team on the Yardmas truck on Carnival Sunday.