Born Kerida Johnson to Ras Tafari parents Doris Ray Ricketts and Albert ‘Ilawi Malawi’ Johnson, Legendary Selector (Originally of Jah Love Muzik), Drummer, Producer and Singer/Songwriter who would become her greatest influence. Her father would summon almost 4 years old Sativa and older siblings to the ‘Control tower” which was a room he create to host his sound system equipments and Vinyl records. Located in the Ghetto of Mona Common, Papine, this house was the meeting grounds for the family and community. Routinely, for his upcoming session he would methodically create an “Orthodox” selection which MYSTICALLY resonated with the Hearts of the masses who ventured near and far to hear Ilawi play.
Since rising to prominence in 2013 with chants like “Judgement”, “Ooh Lalala”, “Jah have mi Back”. Consistently she has maintained her presence both on the local and international market with Mellow Moods “In a Jamaica Pt. 2”, Kabaka Pyramid “All for One”, Micah Shemaiah “Motherland” and “Dread at the Control” ‘Still Surviving” and “Freedom”. In 2017 HEMPRESS SATIVA released her debut album “UnconqueRebel” independently produced by label Conquering Lion Records with collaborated efforts from Ranking Joe on the track title “Natty Dread” and Anthemic songs such as “Rock it In a dance” and “Wah Dada Deng” mixed by Paolo Baldini yielding 11 million views and counting on Youtube. 2018 the sophomore project “Scientist meets HEMPRESS SATIVA in Dub” LP dropped featuring 10 analog, mixed tracks from the Scientist adding to her ever growing catalog.
HEMPRESS SATIVA has completed tours South of the US including Louisiana, Atlanta and Texas. Conquering uncharted territory in Minneapolis whilst supporting Hopeton “Scientist” Brown at the Red Bull Sound Select, who introduced her sounds to a sold out venue receiving great reviews and new fans. She’s broken grounds with appearances in Mexico, Mapping through California for Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, High Times Reggae on The River, Northwest World Reggae Festival, and Bob Marley Celebration in San Diego at the World Beat Center to mention.
