I first met Rasta Miguel at a Thanksgiving Day dinner organized by a group of expats from Grecia, Costa Rica, in 2019. I had only been living here in Costa Rica for about a month and was eager to meet new people and make new friends. I could tell by Rasta Miguel’s “HighTimes” t-shirt and his rastacap that he was heavily into the Reggae music scene. Four of us, including his esposa Diane from California, sat at the same table for dinner and enjoyed some delicious American-styled Thanksgiving food, along with great conversations.

Rasta Miguel’s real name is Miguel Quesada, and he is a Costa Rican artist and singer/songwriter of Reggae music. I asked if any of his music was featured on YouTube, and he said it was so, after getting home that evening, I found his YouTube channel. I quickly subscribed and listened to several of his song tracks, which I loved. I have a background in radio and I’d often program some Reggae music into my Internet radio show when it was on the air.  

Rasta’s musical career started at the end of 2004, when he bought his first guitar. His early influences were, of course, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Whailer, Nassio Fontaine, and Burning Spear. A couple of years after learning his craft, he decided to start writing and composing his own songs. Before COVID- 19, Rasta played locally in many of Costa Rica’s popular lounges, bars, private parties, and cultural events. He’s a very diverse, creative guy who also makes necklaces and bracelets in nylon using the macramé technique.

If you should hear about Rasta Miguel performing anywhere near you, go support this brother and his music. And don’t forget that you can always find his music on YouTube, Spotify, and Sound Cloud.