Event

MNE Singers Series Presents: Warrior King & Gyptian w/ Full Band & WBLK

Jamaican Reggae superstars Warrior King & Gyptian roll through Sebastopol with a full band to Monday Night Edutainment alongside WBLK.

WARRIOR KING - GYPTIAN - WESTERN U.S. TOUR - NOVEMBER 09

Warrior King and Gyptian are currently two of the most talented young conscious recording artists and performers to come out of Jamaica. In 2001 Virtuous Woman was an international hit for Warrior King. Since then, he has graced most of the major festivals worldwide, and continued to build a strong, high caliber catalogue.

Co-billing with Warrior King on this Western U.S. tour is Gyptian, who gave us the mega hit Serious Times in 2006. Serious Times popularity led to Gyptians performing on most of the major stage shows in Jamaica, as well as many international festivals. As a tour package, Gyptian and Warrior King is a very dynamic lineup that will surely have the houses rocking, non-stop.

Love is in the air as Warrior King performs on his live shows. He touches peoples hearts singing with youthful energy and enthusiasm, and vocal melody with a message of universal upliftment. His new CD, mixed and soon to be released, is called Love is in the Air. Warrior King has recently had numerous successful singles, including Melody, Mercy Please (with Black Judah), Empress, Oh What a Feeling, Signs of the Time and Wanting You. Mercy Please was number one on the Jamaican charts in 2008, and Signs of the Time is big in Europe. Wanting You came out hot on the airwaves in August 2008, along with a video, which has also gotten a lot of play. Wanting You is a single from his new album - Love is in the Air.

Gyptian is a young new artist with a lot of promise. His first CD is called My Name is Gyptian, which was released on VP Records in 2006. His next CD is called, I Can Feel Your Pain. Besides Serious Times, other of his hit songs are Beng Beng, School Girl, Ma Ma, Beautiful Lady, Nobody No Cry, Too Bad Mind, Keep Your Calm and Touch.

At the Reggae Rising festival in Humboldt CA, Gyptian was well received and applauded, and he has been similarly appreciated on the east coast and up into eastern Canada, where reggae music has a strong following. Gyptian, in his music career, cut right through, quickly. He was embraced by the people right from the start, without having to struggle long for acceptance. He gets a great deal of love from the media and the public. His message has mass appeal. Gyptian comes with charisma - conscious and uplifting. His popularity cuts across the age groups. He is loved by the young and old, and by the die-hard reggae enthusiasts. Straight away, he won awards for Best New Reggae Artist and Most Promising Entertainer amoungst others.

There is great anticipation for the western U.S. fans to see Gyptian perform live, since to date, he has only worked on the west coast at Reggae Rising and at the Shatto Ballroom in LA. Gyptians LA show caused a roadblock, or traffic jam due to his strong draw. The west coast DJs are currently playing a lot of his songs, and the women and younger girls love his music.

Warrior King recently returned from another European tour in May / June 2009. Before that he toured Europe in February / March 2009. He tours there consistently. September 2009, he is slated to tour Japan. So, Warrior King is regularly making the international circuit.

July 2008 Warrior King did a successful Western US tour, which included the festivals Reggae on the River, The Adamari Caribbean Festival at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA and The Northwest World Reggae Festival in Eugene, OR. Around the same time, he also did The Montreal Reggae Festival in eastern Canada and some spot dates on the east coast. Prior to that, he has done The Sierra Nevada World Music festival and the original Reggae on the River numerous times, and he has also done other US tours. Warrior King is currently under new management with Higher Level Promotion, headed by Clayton Thomas, otherwise known as Massive, out of New York City.

Like a breath of fresh air, Warrior King carries a loving youthful spirit on and off the stage. He is gifted at doing interviews, singing, songwriting and producing. His message is cleaner and more uplifting than most of his contemporaries. Warrior king is in good form, and the people are always happy and excited to see him. His enthusiastic stage presence and joyful presentation are now better than ever.

To view Warrior King live, you can go to the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY5DJe5AOfo

BIOGRAPHY: WARRIOR KING

Singer, messenger Warrior King came on the international reggae scene in the early 2000s using his gift of song to spread Jah truth throughout the land. In 2001, his single Virtuous Women graced the airwaves internationally and become number one throughout many countries. Virtuous Woman was an international smash, its righteous lyrics prompting the Jamaica Observer to declare the singer one of the artistes who made a difference in 2001. Since that auspicious beginning, Warrior Kings compositions have consistently charted not only in his native Jamaica, but throughout the entire Caribbean, as well as New York, London, Tokyo and beyond. His debut album Virtuous Women was released shortly thereafter, also featuring a handful of top charting singles including Breath of Fresh Air and Power to Chant. Virtuous Woman, was an international smash, its righteous lyrics

prompting the Jamaica Observer to declare the singer one of the artistes who made a difference in 2001. A Friend Indeed is currently getting heavy rotation in Jamaica, while Jah Is Always There was a recent summer smash on Atlantas More Fire chart. The inclusion of Never Go Where Pagans Go on VP Records highly influential Reggae Gold 2002 further raised the artists profile.

Virtuous Woman, features production by such heavy hitters as Sheldon Calibud Stewart (Sizzla), Richard Shams Browne (T.O.K., Sean Paul), Lion Paw (Luciano, Jr. Kelly) and Penthouse (Buju Banton, Beres Hammond) as well as guest appearances by Jahmali and dub poet, DYCR. With titles like Love Jah and Live and Boast Not Myself, the CDs seventeen tracks are designed, says Warrior King, to uplift peoples heart, mind and soul in a positive way. All of the songs are written by me, through inspiration of the Father. Everybody can relate to a song on the album, Im sure of that. The album opens up with Power To Chant, a spiritual invocation of Jah that neatly sets the tone for whats to follow. Each song has a different style, but the message emphasizes purity and truth. The 1980s roots reggae vibe that informs Africa Shall Be Free recalls the melodic style of such legends as the Mighty Diamonds and Culture; Health and Strength, built on a foundation of Nyabinghi drum patterns, extols the powers of natural living; Whats Going On, featuring Jahmali, is Warrior Kings interpretation of the Marvin Gaye classic; Education Is Key, set to the vintage Storm riddim, is a smash hit youth empowerment anthem; Baby Dont Worry is a gentle love song, while Make Me Feel channels the same energy into a more sensual vibe. Also included are Virtuous Woman, Never Go Where the Pagans Go and other compositions that have built Warrior Kings reputation.

Warrior Kings second full-length CD release Hold the Faith is another strong CD with similar strengths and virtues. This CD was also well received.

Warrior King was born on the 27th of July 1979, in Kingstons Jubilee Hospital, soon moving to Clarendon, and settling in the growing city of Portmore at age eleven. From birth, Ive always loved music, but it was not until I attended high school at the age of thirteen that I thought about it as something I could do myself, Warrior King explains. At that time I followed Bounty Killers style, but then my friend Warrior Mark, him said, You have the potential. You have the talent. From there I started increasing my own thing, and with encouragement from my peers and inspiration and ting, the music started to flow. Like many successful Jamaican entertainers, Warrior King gained his earliest stage experience in talent shows. I started out with school concerts at first, he says. At the time when I just came inna music, I used to do some combinations with a yout named Likkle Blacks, Marlon Stewart. We used to do Tastees Talent Show together, so we could really start getting exposed and gain experience. When he first started out Warrior King chatted in a hardcore deejay style, like his original hero, Bounty. A switch to the more holistic singjay sound came gradually. Its a natural thing what just grow inside of me, even without me realizing, the singer reasons. People started telling me they hear I can sing now. So, really and truly its just a natural change. Even his name is an extension of this evolution. I changed my name from Junior King to Warrior King because it have a more spiritual feel to it. Fighting against oppression, fighting against wrong. Im Jah warrior, yuh know, fighting a war of rootical love.

Warrior King believes that education is the key to betterment and hopes that his music will serve to convey the teachings of His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie I. As a Rastafarian you just dont sing music, you sing music with a purpose and a mission. To the four corners of the Earth, says Warrior King, I carry my music, and the message of the King. And the message of love, to all people of all races.

Warrior King has recently been working in the studios with the legendary producer Colin "Bulby" York, and Sly and Robbie. Love is in the Air, his new album, is some of his best work to date. This album is soon to be released.

Warrior King is a serious reggae artist who currently carries a buzz internationally and continues to work his craft. His future looks bright, as he continues to improve and build his catalogue and his fan base.

BIOGRAPHY: GYPTIAN

Few people had heard of Gyptian prior the 2005 release of his mega hit Serious Times, but the songs meditative drumming by renowned percussionist Bongo Herman, melodious sax lines courtesy of Tony Greene and especially Gyptians heartfelt vocals detailing worsening crime in Jamaica made it one of the biggest reggae hits of 2005/2006. Serious Times went on to top all major Jamaican and international reggae charts. Vibe Magazine ranked it number 21 among the top 60 songs of 2006 and Gyptian was nominated as Best New Reggae Artist and named the Most Promising Entertainer at the 2006 International Reggae and World Music Awards held at New York Citys legendary Apollo Theater. At home, Gyptian was cited as the Best New Artist of 2005 by the Jamaica Observer newspaper, and Serious Times tied with Damian Marleys Welcome to Jamrock for the dailys Song of the Year honors.

A lot of people said I would be a one hit wonder, but I never thought that, Gyptian reflected on his sudden rise to success. I never go into the studio and tell myself that I will get a number one song. I love every song that I sing, but its the people who judge them and make them hits. Gyptian quickly dismissed any notions of impending one hit wonder status by following his impressive introductory single with several equally compelling tunes including Beng Beng, which calls for peace in Jamaica, School Girl, urging young girls to pay attention to their education and Ma Ma, a tender tribute to his mothers love. Another hit Beautiful Lady wryly tells the tale of a brief romantic encounter; throughout the songs irresistible refrain, the lady asks him his name and his response was adapted for the title of his debut album, My Name is Gyptian, which was released on VP Records in 2006 to widespread critical commendation and subsequently received a nomination from Playboy Magazine as best New World Music Album.

Gyptian surpasses the standards established on his remarkable debut with his inspiring sophomore effort I Can Feel Your Pain. From the unforgettably beautiful title track (the CDs first single) which he wrote as a balm to broken hearted ladies everywhere to the roots rock reggae sufferers anthem Nobody No Cry, from the acoustic guitar strains underscoring an antiviolence message on Keep Your Calm to the soft rock riffs that tint the quixotic Touch, Pains thirteen songs offer sophisticated yet straight from the heart lyrics with Gyptians pliant tenor, easily adapting to a range of styles. With music you cant just stick to one sound, you have to pick and choose to satisfy the largest fan base, he says. Some people love the cultural side of Gyptian but for the girls its all about lovers rock, because everybody needs love and everyone needs to share love and I am fortunate that I can share it on this CD.

Born Windel Beneto Edwards on October 25, 1983, Gyptian was raised in the rural King Weston district in the parish of St. Andrew by his Christian mother Pauline and his Rastafarian father, Basil. Neither parent attempted to dictate their sons spiritual path, but both encouraged his musical talent; thus Gyptian sang at his mothers Sunday morning church services and at the Saturday night dances promoted by his father who owned the Sugar Stone sound system.

Gyptian, who earned his nickname for his habit of wrapping shirts around his head in the style of an Egyptian pharaoh, continued to sharpen his vocal skills at small concerts within the greater St. Andrew vicinity. His musical ambitions brought him to reggaes epicenter, Kingston, where he was introduced to legendary guitarist/producer Earl Chinna Smith whose stellar resume includes an extended stint as musical director for Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. Chinna was the first real producer I worked with, notes Gyptian. He has a great understanding of music and it was great working with him. Together they created a version of Serious Times in 1999, which was never released.

Gyptian returned to King Weston and took some time away from music but before long, he was referred to a studio owned by producer/talent scout Ravin Wong, located in the Kingston suburb of Portmore. Wong had established a track record of helping to transform aspirants such as Portmore based I Wayne into hit making artists. Under Wongs guidance Gyptian began performing at various stage shows and talent contests. He won the 2004 Portmore Star Search competition, which earned him a spot at that years staging of Sting, Jamaicas premier dancehall concert which is renowned for attracting an audience that, when warranted, boldly expresses their displeasure with an artists performance first through wipers (a hand signal to artists to exit the stage), then booing and in extreme cases, bottling, that is, throwing bottles, cups or other objects at an unwanted act. So how did a newcomer to the reggae business feel about performing for such a tough crowd? To be frank, I wondered what I was doing there, Gyptian laughed. It was difficult. I knew a wouldnt get a forward (rousing response) from the crowd but from a long time music is what me love so me just struggle through it.

A few months later, Gyptian was working a construction job when Portmore producer Kenneth 'Spragga' Wilson asked him to take a day off to voice Serious Time. Gyptian was never paid for that session because Spragga funds were depleted by the cost of the studio time, but the songs subsequent popularity, which led to Gyptians inclusion on all major stage shows in Jamaica as well as many international reggae festivals, more than made up for it.

Gyptian plans to transcend the success reaped by Serious Time and his debut album with I Can Feel Your Pain. His spectacular sophomore effort begins with Keep Your Calm, a warning to the rude boys to put down their guns and aspire to greater things, produced by Kemar DJ FLava McGregor. DJ Flava, who produced Gyptians 2006 hit Ma Ma and is one of the leading producers in contemporary roots reggae, contributes several songs here including the cautionary one drop tune Too Bad Mind, the evocative drum and bass driven plea for More Love, and Guide Me, a prayer for spiritual strength underscored by a stirring Nyabinghi drum beat.

Gyptians romantic vocals captivate throughout the soulful, new age-influenced ballads Touch and Love Against The Wall, produced by New York based John FX Crawford. Hauntingly somber tones color World Caving In produced by Imran Fire Peter Passard and FX for the Humbless Music Group, with Gyptians emotive falsetto flourish reflecting a major shift in his lifestyle, as he explains: That song is based on the fact that I am a little more settled now in my personal life and the things I used to do before, for better or worse, I dont do them no more because this particular woman I am with satisfies all my wants and desires.

Music fans wants and desires will undoubtedly be satisfied by the poignant singing, pensive words and audacious musical approaches that are not typically found on CDs coming out of Kingston, which characterize I Can Feel Your Pain. These innovative strategies, Gyptian believes, will help to revitalize record sales for and worldwide interest in contemporary Jamaican music. What I really want to do is bring back the market, Gyptian declares, because from Bob Marley days no reggae artist really go out and sell a million copies. So I am trying to bring back life to reggae music because Bob Marley was just a man like me, so I use him as a landmark for what I am trying to achieve.

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Hopmonk Tavern
230 Petaluma Ave
Sebastopol, CA 95472
United States

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Owner: WBLK Dancehall Massive

On BPT Since: Oct 07, 2009

DJ Jacques

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