Rass Motivated & The Essence

“Rass Motivated” is not a new name in the Dutch reggae scene.
It’s the musical alter ego of 22yr old Rotterdam singer, Sherandell Maynard.

Despite his young age, this artist has been blessed to have shared the stage with the cream of the crop of the reggae and dancehall world. He has been a “support act” for Damian Marley & Nas, Sizzla Kalonji, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Mr. Vegas, just to name a few and has performed in venues such as Heineken music hall, de Melkweg, the famous club ‘Paradiso’ Amsterdam and the legendary ‘Ahoy hall ‘ in Rotterdam.

In 2010 he joined Dutch Dancehall sensation Kalibwoy, as he won the prestigious “Grote Prijs van Nederland”(Grand prize of Holland).
On September 11th of 2011, he released his first EP; “First Light ” which he presented to a full house of music lovers in De Nieuwe Oogst, Rotterdam. This EP got raving reviews, sold out in no time and has since become a true collectors item. On this EP one can find seven fantastic songs, song that speak of hope, love and positivity like; “As the Sun”, to the beautiful “Essence of life”, which is an ode to strong women all over the world, to songs that deal with topics like the fragility of human beings in the song “Im Dead”(video shot in Surinam)… “Rass Motivated” doesn’t shy away from any topics and confronts the listener “head on”.

In December of that same year, Rass Motivated continues his winning streak and surprises both friend and foe as he makes yet another grand step in his young career and wins one of Holland’s most lucrative awards: the VSB Music Matters award. This award also grants him the title of: Rotterdam music ambassador of 2012.There truly is no stopping his “Motivated Movements”. Together with his live band “The Essence”, Rass takes it to the next level as they dazzle crowds at festivals such as: Amsterdam Reggae Festival, Rotterdam Reggae Festival, the Vlaardingen Festival and the very well known Dunya Festival.

With loads of written press, Radio interviews and performances for Radio 6, Virus Radio 4( classical radio) and RTVRijnmond, as well as regional & national tv coverage, his star continues to rise.

When he is not performing or giving master classes to talented Rotterdam youths, Rass Motivated can be found in the studio, where he is currently recording his first studio album 'Who Am I'.
With this album, to be released in 2013, he will prove once again that he is here to stay..

“This world we live in is not easy on our young people”, he often sighs.
“My goal is to make young people realize, that there is no such thing as easy money and fame without paying a high prize and that if you work hard and set goals for yourself, then your reward at the end will be truly sweet”!
“I want to set a positive example, inspire young people and make music that will change the world”!

Rass Motivated is definitely on his way and something tells me, that his best is yet to come….

For all inquiries please contact us at:
motivatedmovements@gmail.com