Original members of Yasus Afari &The Dub Vijan Band
In 2009 Yasus was in studio in Kingston doing recordings for his 6th album called “Kiss Me Neck”. The musicians who worked with him on this album were all acquainted with each other as they had often met while doing their own independent work in the music industry in Jamaica. Studio engineer Leroy “Fat Man” who was very impressed with these studio recording sessions, suggested to bass player Oswald “IG” Gordon that he and the other musicians should form a band which would perform with Yasus while he does shows on the road. IG then shared this suggestion with Yasus who immediately was in favour of the idea of doing continuous work with the group.
However, it was not until June 2010 that Dub Vijan was officially formed. The original members include
Yasus Afari – Lead Vocalist & Band Founder / Leader
Oswald ‘IG’ Gordon – Bass Player & Joint Musical Director
Fabian ‘Dada Keys’ Smith – Key Board Player & Musical Director
Robert “‘Bobby” Gardner – Guitar Player
Oneil ‘Maaga’ Williams – Drums
Other members include Ricardo ‘Cardo’ Pitter the assistant drummer and Carrel Hewitt who is the assistant guitar Player
They released their first album “Public Secret” in October 2013.
The group has conducted several workshops in schools, universities and prisons in the areas of creative writing, poetry and music. The workshops are also used as technique to spawn social renewal and to build self esteem in people. So while they entertain, they have been doing extensive social work in Jamaica.