Ryan Childs
Biography
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1981, Ryan Childs discovered his passion for reggae music while living in Honolulu, Hawaii, from 1988 to 1991. It was there that he first encountered Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers’ album Conscious Party — a record he memorized from start to finish. This early exposure ignited a lifelong love for reggae and its powerful messages.
Merging his Christian upbringing with a deep appreciation for Rastafarian culture, Ryan committed himself to raising awareness about the struggles of the African diaspora. A pivotal moment came in 1994, when he attended a live performance by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers and Inner Circle in Washington, D.C. That experience, coupled with divine inspiration, led him to form the reggae band Sons of Solomon.
Sons of Solomon enjoyed over a decade of musical impact, touring extensively across the continental United States. The group established its roots in Fredericksburg, Virginia, becoming a cornerstone of the local reggae scene. Over the years, they shared stages with acclaimed artists such as SOJA (Grammy-nominated), Mystic Vibrations, Cultivated Mind, Etana, and others. Their journey also brought them into close community with reggae luminaries like Ziggy, Stephen, Juju, Damian, Kymani, and Ninja Marley, as well as the legendary Morgan Heritage.
This deep immersion into reggae culture helped energize the Virginia reggae movement — especially within the 757 area — contributing to the rise of the band 2RawBand. Alongside longtime collaborators Joe “Beats” Brown and Reggie “Fingas” Barnes, Ryan joined Nyaman (formerly of Sons of Solomon) to deliver spiritually-charged messages rooted in faith and truth.
In collaboration with Joseph “Fan Fan” Louis, the group crafted timeless music — songs like “Confrontation” by 2RawBand and “Brotherman Don’t Give Up” stand as enduring testaments to their mission. These works transcend the moments they were created in, leaving a lasting impact for future generations.
The continued musical partnership between Ryan Childs and Joseph “Fan Fan” Louis is woven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of their community. Through rhythm, message, and melody, they aim to help the world “overstand” the depth of our Heavenly Father’s love — a love that pursues, uplifts, and unites.
Please listen and share in these vibrations. They are meant to inspire, heal, and elevate.
Sincerely,
Ryan Childs
