The band Rasta Joint emerged in the early 90s, influenced by the swing of black music such as Funk, Soul and Reggae. The first lineup had guitar, bass, drums and vocals, with repertoire including Jorge Benjor, Ed Motta, Skowa e a Máfia, Tim Maia, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Edson Gomes, etc.
Over time, life in Viçosa (MG) and contact with land and nature led the band to dedicate itself to Roots Reggae, not only as musical style but as a way of life, with dedication to nature, divine forces, medicinal plants, natural food, and brotherhood among people. After two years the band began composing and released a demo tape with five original compositions marked by Roots Reggae, critical sincere lyrics, and guest appearances by Chico Costa (sax), Djalma Pereira (flute) and Shandra Mani (Indian vocalize).
Rasta Joint hit the road in 97 with historic shows with Tribo de Jah at Circo Escola Picadeiro (SP), Rappa and Paralamas do Sucesso in Viçosa (MG), Mestre Ambrósio in Belo Horizonte, Nativus and Tribo de Jah at Festival na Serra da Moeda (MG), among others. Influences included Steel Pulse, Black Uhuru, Aswad, Israel Vibration, Gilberto Gil, Tribo de Jah, Edson Gomes, among others.
With cohesive, well-structured work, strong conscious lyrics, songs rooted in Roots Reggae valuing Brazilian Xote and Baião with Dub and experimentation, Rasta Joint entered the studio in 98 for their first CD, fully funded by the band over almost a year and a half.
1999 brought struggle and recognition: touring southern Bahia opening for Tribo de Jah's Reggae na Estrada tour; two songs classified for UNE Culture Biennial in Salvador; historic performance at Teatro de Lona da Barra (RJ) with Dread Lion; guitarist Cláudio Soares on all tracks of Tribo de Jah's live CD "2000 Anos" at Palace (SP); Vitória em Paz (ES) with Tribo de Jah.
In December 99, Rasta Joint completed "União" with nine original songs, a cover of "Foi Deus quem fez você" (Amelinha hit), and interactive multimedia track. Guest appearances by Aquiles Rabelo (Tribo de Jah), Daniel Castelo (Dread Lion), Michel Mujalli (Luz da Ásia), among others.
In 2000 the launch tour began. The CD reached radios and reggae fans across São Paulo, Rio, Bahia, Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, especially Vitória with Skol Reggae, Rastaparty and Vitória em Paz. In São Paulo Johnny B. Good set sales records and songs played on Brasil 2000 and 105 FM. In Minas, recognition at 1º Lapa Reggae in Belo Horizonte and excellent review on Massive Reggae site.
In 2001 Rasta Joint reached new audiences, participating in the 1st National Reggae Festival at Anhembi (SP) in May with Tribo de Jah, Edson Gomes, Ras Bernardo, Dionorina, Natiruts, estimated 70,000 audience. In September they opened Tribo de Jah's "a Bob Marley" CD launch at Credicard Hall (SP).