Rapha Pico

Singer and multi-instrumentalist, Rapha Pico, was born with music in his genes. His father, Djeynah Delbety, was from the Caribbean island, Martinique, and his mother from Surinam. Djeynah Delbety was the lead singer of the famous Dutch Reggae sensation, ‘Revelation Time’. He was known to stir up the audience with his golden voice and conscious lyrics. By the age of six, Rapha was performing backing-vocals for his elder brothers who started singing after visiting a Michael Jackson show. Rapha was lucky that the primary school he attended gave him the chance to learn piano, flute and percussions. He was also a member of the school choir where he got to display his talents as a lead singer. But at this age, Rapha was more into playing ball with his friends than thinking about music.

When he attended secondary school, music once again called his name. Rapha became a member of several Surinam bands which played Kawina music. It was singer Vaughn Benjamin, the poetic frontman of Midnite, that caught Rapha’s attention with his philosophical and deep spiritual lyrics. Slowly, Rapha embraced the idea that good lyrics are just as important as music itself. The music of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh only deepened his conviction that he, too, wanted to use music as a vehicle to bring a message of universal love, peace and equal rights for everyone.

He found a musical coach in his father who taught him the basic principles of Reggae music. At the age of 18, he committed himself to Rastafari and Reggae music became the vessel to spread his lyrics with the purpose to make people think for themselves. He joined Ras Amos at a tribute to Bob Marley show and the rest is history. He has shared the stage with artists like Vivian Jones, Julian Marley and Protoje; opened shows for Norrisman, Ray Darwin, Popcaan & Romain Virgo; and been backed by bands like Rebeljam & Roots Controlahs. Rapha Pico’s most recent release is ‘Weh Yuh Ago Do’, on the MDM riddim by K-Jah Sound.