Christafari

Christafari was the first Christian reggae band. Upon seeing the group's name, and the fact that founder Mark "Tansoback" Mohr sported long dreads, one might deduce that the bandmembers promoted a combination of Rastafarianism and Christianity, but the band's moniker actually comes from the Latin derivation of the Greek New Testament word "Christafari," meaning a group of people who represent Christ.

Christafari was founded in 1990 by born-again Christian Mark Mohr. At one time, Mohr, an aficionado of Jamaican culture and reggae music, was a Rastafarian himself -- mostly, he claims, because it sanctioned the frequent use of marijuana. When he first began listening to reggae, he didn't like it, but a family vacation to Jamaica changed his perspective. By the time he recommitted to Christ and gave up ganja at a church summer camp, Mohr was well-versed in roots reggae and different dancehall styles. Fluent in Jamaican patois, Mohr is known as an excellent toaster and ragamuffin.

Over the band's career, over 60 members have appeared on-stage and in the studio. Christafari's other frequent members include lead singer Erik "Earth Man" Sundin, a son of Salvation Army missionaries who has himself been a missionary in Jamaica and Latin America, and has also worked with urban kids in the U.S. Vocalist/keyboardist Marky "Rage" Sandiford hails from Barbados, where he once earned a "Male Vocalist of the Year" title; he also composes, arranges, and produces for the band. Percussionist Ken "Mr. Mention" Yarnes has been playing drums since childhood and has a music degree from Cal State Long Beach