The Rastafarians was a California-based reggae group founded by Jamaican natives Big Dread,Michael Ashley aka Haile Maskel (bass and lead vocals) and Patrick Houchen aka Shaka (drums and lead vocals), and Californian Herb Daily (guitar) in Santa Cruz, California in 1980. Other talented members included Constantine "Vision" Walker who had previously worked with both Bob Marley and Rita Marley, and noted MC Tony "Moses" Wright, who performed and toured with Spearhead. Some members of the band had also worked with Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus. The ensemble released the critically acclaimed album "Orthodox" in 1981.