As musicians around the world co-opt the pulse and personality of reggae and blend it with their own styles — think Jack Johnson, DJ Diplo or Daddy Yankee — it will be increasingly important for tradition-minded artists to continue spreading the genre’s core messages of love, social justice and praise for the Rastafari god Jah.

Yami Bolo is up for the task.

Born and raised in a Kingston, Jamaica, ghetto, Bolo is one of the central figures in roots-reggae over the past couple decades, starting with his early hit “When A Man’s In Love” through his upcoming album “Masterpiece.” All told, he has more than 30 CDs to his credit and has toured across the world, but you’ll rarely hear him talk about that, much less take credit for his success.

In an interview with reggae Web site www.bigupradio.com, Bolo was asked about his earliest influences. He said his career stems from “an inner calling from the most high,” and cited some “archangels upon whom Jah bless” — reggae legends Bob Marley, Augustus Pablo, Dennis Brown — but only after giving credit where he believes credit is due.

“All influence comes from the most high, and (my) earliest influence is Jah and to bring Jah’s works and message to the people,” he said. “To open their eyes to … Jah.”

Yami Bolo; 9 p.m. Thursday; $12 plus service charges at Ranch Records (541-389-6116) in Bend, $15 at the door; Domino Room, 51 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; www.myspace.com/mc_mystic.