Melita Irie and Reid the Martian, local artists, young and conscious, share their positive vibe

MELITA IRIE & REID THE MARTIAN

Leah Ricketts (Melita Irie) grew up in a family of arts and healing. Her parents – Reeko Lion and Nia Makeida – met & played in the Kansas City reggae band, Deepa Reality. Before she could walk, she was dancing with her mom in a West African dance group – Esoke. Before she could talk, she was singing right along with her parents at every rehearsal. Now Leah-Melita’s journey is just beginning, and she aims her focus on the women and children of our world. When she’s not spreading positive music as Melita Irie, she’s Soul Mate Strategy Coach, Leah Ricketts – helping women find their prince charming without kissing a bunch of toads. “When it comes down to it, we’re all still fragile. We all want love. When it comes down to it, we’re all still human.” -Melita Irie

Reid Smith (Reid the Martian) is a Kansas local born out of Indiana. Taking after his dad, Terry Smith, who toured with Davy Jones, it was not long before Reid was seen as a super natural artist. This rapper/singer/songwriter/drummer/producer has made his name known to noted producers like Miykal Snoddy (Trey Songz, Lupe Fiasco, Diddy), Aldrin “DJ Toomp” Davis (T.I., Kanye West), and Duane “DaRock” Ramos (LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z). It’s clear to see that his music is based on the authenticity of his perspective on life, and he continues to express himself through his many talents. “Reid’s greatest strength is his ability to balance cultural reference with originality.” -AXS
Melita was first asked to join Reid the Martian initially as a female fill-in for a show in January, 2015. In April, she was asked to be the female appearance of his new single “Whiskey for the Devil” – directed by Morgan Cooper. Once summer hit, Melita officially partnered with Reid as his Hype Lady, and they took their music to new heights. Their act is adored on stages like the Riot Room, The Jazzhaus of Lawrence, The Jackpot Music Hall, and more, and his hit EP “Hardball” created a whirlwind of conversation. Reid the Martian is currently working on booking a university tour, where they will perform for campuses all over the nation. Stay tuned for when they’re coming to your town by checking out his website, www.reidthemartian.com.

Together, their mission is to bring consciousness back to music; creating a safe haven for all artists to come forth and speak through their souls. Their influences are Lauryn Hill, Tupac, Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment, Bob Marley, Atmosphere, and many more. Needless to say, the arts are flowing threw her veins as blood pulses through our bodies; planting the seed for others to tap into their most creative Being, and transpiring a collective harmony of conscious enlightenment, so that we may fully use our gifts in our works for a better tomorrow.

Host and producer:  Donna Morrow Wolfe

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