The Jamaican entertainment songwriter and actor Ras Ajai, born Brian Todd Boucher has died World Music Views can confirm.
It is not yet clear how he died.
Ras Ajai was known for his role as political figure Claude Massop in Paramount’s 2024 biographical film Bob Marley: One Love.
Raised in Waterford, Portmore, he developed his musical talent in church before being mentored by reggae stalwarts Dean Fraser and Tarrus Riley. He later worked closely with Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock Productions, further establishing himself as a rising force in Jamaican music.
His catalogue included songs such as Pack Up Yuh Tings, Want Me Too, Need You Now, Tick Up, and Angel. Ras Ajai also performed at major festivals, including the Long Island Reggae Festival and the Great South Bay Music Festival.
Before his untimely passing, Ras Ajai spoke with World Music View in 2025 at Rebel Salute about landing his breakthrough role in Bob Marley: One Love, reflecting on a career milestone that he described as both unexpected and deeply humbling.
Ajai said portraying the late political figure Claude Massop was the the original plan in the internationally acclaimed biopic, as he had originally auditioned for a different character.
“It was a humbling experience, to be honest,” he said. “I’m thankful to not have auditioned for that role and got that role. It was an amazing feeling and experience because the initial role that I auditioned for, I never got it.”
He revealed that he had first tried out for the role of Seeco Patterson, Bob Marley’s longtime Cuba born percussionist, only to find himself cast in what would become one of the film’s most memorable scenes.
“I’m thankful,” he said with a laugh. “Seeco never really did much talking, and then Claude came with that one line… Me get one of them lines there.”
Although his screen time was brief, Ajai’s performance resonated with audiences, particularly in the tense confrontation with Bob Marley. Looking back, he remained grateful rather than focused on the size of the role.
“I’m humbled,” he said. “Thankful to the Marley family. Thankful to KBC Casting for the casting opportunity.”
The film’s international success only reinforced that gratitude. Bob Marley: One Love earned major industry recognition, including a BET Award and multiple NAACP Award nominations—an extraordinary beginning for an actor making his screen debut.
“First movie,” Ajai said proudly, acknowledging the BET Award… “We’re looking for the Oscar.”
Beyond his own success, Ajai saw the film as evidence of a broader opportunity for Jamaica’s creative industries. He believed the island possessed the talent needed to become a major production hub.
“We’re ready,” he said. “I feel like we have a whole lot of talent. When you look at Dan Shepherd, Everett Carey, myself, and so many others, we’re there.”
His vision was simple but ambitious.
“Jamaica is open for business,” he said. “I feel like it’s time for them to rope in and come. Cool Runnings can shoot over here. Jamaica is ready.”
