About Us
Band Bio
I Yahn I Arkestra is a family of musicians based in Philadelphia P.a. Writing ,Recording and performing original Reggae, often blending influences of Jazz ,world music and EDM.
For 25 years Derek and Kaseaopia the heart of I Yahn I Arkestra have been performing their compositions backed by an all star group of Philadelphia musicians,including - Chuck Treece, B Davis, Josh Freshy , H.R.,Timi Tanzania and new to the group by way of Jamaica Nevin Thomas and Derry J.
Through the years I Yahn I Arkestra have built their reputation and fan base on enigmatic live performances that have taken them across United States, the Caribbean and Middle East. They have supported 100's of national acts such as Matisyahu , Lee Scratch Perry, Black Uhuru and Damian Marley to name a few.
Notably I Yahn I have written recorded and performed live in collaboration with Master Percussionist and world renowned band leader Doc Gibbs ,as well as Fats Dominoe Guitarist Teddy Royal, Multi instrumentalist and professional skateboarder Chuck Treece the legendary Bad Brains front man H.R. and also with master Indian percussionist Radha Gopinath Marrinelli .
In 2007 They released their debut album LOVE MISSION with great national reviews from world music blogs to the beat magazine , followed soon after by the Dubwise remix Dub Mission
In 2011 they released their second album From Shakamaxon. With Shakamaxon,in their now signature style the Arkestra successfully fuses traditional reggae rhythms with a psychedelic improvisations , using both electric and acoustic instruments as well as various traditional instruments from around the world. As with love Mission I Yahn I expanded further on Shakamaxon with a The Remix Version Dub Shack .
In 2018 I Yahn I in collaborated with Chuck Treece , Radha Gopinath Marrinelli and HR (bad brains) himself to create a brand new sound together in order to facilitate contemplation meditation and healing, and from this union comes I Yahn I 's newest inception Album RAS ASANA that has quickly become a emerging classic in the Yoga Dub genre.
I Yahn I Arkestra also recently delved into the world of reggae riddims with their release of Dread Locks Tree Riddim featuring various artists with a dub medley remix on Worship Records by DJ Rob Paine.
The newest project from the Arkestra PRESSURE along side Producer Charlie Patierno Aka PreExist (the roots ,Octave Cat ,Jeff Lee Johnson) is a Future Dub bass heavy anthem calling for Peace in the streets of America following years of social unrest violence and police brutality with 2 more singles to follow from the collaboration coming late 2022 ,and a second volume /follow up to 2018's Ras Asana coming in early 2023 !
Looking to the future I Yahn I will continue writing recording and touring looking to bring more conscious music to the people far and wide . More music for the masses!