Itawe, also known as Donavan “Danny Gitz” Cunningham,was born and raised in the hills of St. Ann, Jamaica in the farming community of Prickly Pole, just a few miles from the home where Bob Marley grew in Nine Mile. Itawe spent most of his childhood farming alongside his father, and playing music with his family. He began his musical career shortly after his move from the country to Kingston in 1992, where he was given the name “Danny Gitz” because of his growing reputation as an outstanding musician. With the blessing of his family, he began his first tour with “High Symbol” in 1994. Itawe has been a member of Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, and Sugar Minott’s band leader for over ten years. He is also currently a member of Everton Blender’s “Blend Dem” band. Itawe has recorded albums, extensively tour Europe, Australia, North America, Mexico and the Caribbean playing the bass, guitar, and singing harmony for other artists such as the Abyssinians, Gregory Isaacs, Yami Bolo, Iqulah, Ini Kamoze, Sister Carol, the Melodians and many more…
Itawe’s reputation for his incredibly versatile guitar skills, precise vocals, and vibrant stage presence, keeps him in high demand not only for live stage performances, but in the studio as well. On any given day you can hear his guitar licks playing on the radio waves of IRIE FM and JBC radio. He has played music for many major festivals in Jamaica (Rebel Salute, Sumfest, Sunsplash) Europe (Chiemsee, Reggae Sundance, Raskill, Ratatam, Brighton, etc.) and North America (Reggae on the River, Northwest world reggae festival, Sierra Nevada World music festival) Performing and backing many major artists such as Junior Reid, Luciano, Tony Rebel, Warrior King, Richie Spice, Jah Mason, Mikey General, Black Uhuru, Errol Dunkley, Sugar Minott, Freddy Mcgregor, Fanton Mojah, etc. Itawe recorded with Morgan Heritage playing guitar for their number one hit “We feel love”, as well as “She’s still lovin’ me” and more. He also played for Shalom’s number one hit “Baby got news for you”. He has also done recordings for Sugar Minott “Brown Sugar Granulated”, Kyan, Capleton, Sizzla, Luciano etc. and helped compose much of Iqulah’s latest released album “Rastafari forever” on which the Marley brothers are featured. He displays his versatility playing both bass and guitar for Jah Mason’s current hit “Princess gone”, and for Sade’s hit “Lover’s Rock” the reggae and hip hop versions.
Over the years Itawe has been writing and composing all of his music, and laying tracks in Jamaica, Europe, and North America for his upcoming album titled “Overload”. He is putting this album out under his own production company, “Tap Nat Muzik”. He recently released a single in France titled “Babylon Bridge” with the popular reggae group Broussai. Currently Itawe is touring and performing his music live in venues and for major festivals (NW world reggae festival, San Diego’s Raggamuffin Bob Marley Day festival) with Artists such as the Abyssinians, Yami Bolo, the Melodians, Sugar Minott, Junior Reid, Everton Blendah, Sister Carol, etc., and captivating audiences with his moving lyrics and phenomenal musical abilities. Itawe’s unique and original sound comes from his Jamaican roots combined with inspirations from his travels abroad. His music is diverse and reflects his passion for human rights and social justice. Itawe, whether performing with his acoustic guitar, African drums, and a stand up bass, or vibesing up the house with his original roots/culture sound, is sure to captivate the hearts of his listeners
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Salut, 2 nouvelles tunes toutes fraiches sont dispos sur ma page : Dem come avec le King of Warriors backband et l’ acoustique Flowers of wounded love feat. Thomas « junior badman » du batabaroots crew. N’hésite pas a me laisser tes impressions et commentaires sur ma page
Bless up
Hello, 2 new tunes are on my page : Dem come with the King of Warriors Backband & the acoustic Flowers of Wounded Love, feat Thomas « junior Badman » of the Batabaroots crew
Hi Ras Itawe and thkx for the link. What great vibes in your music, beautiful feeling !! I like it !! Hope everything is fine for you & family as you want?? Take care & see U. We keep in touch for sure. Nuff Respect from Jam Huon (France).
