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Black Lion
A hero among women
Xnews Jamaica, November 24-30, 2004
By Julian Smith
Kings of Kings recording artiste Kenroy Williams aka Black Lion has become something of a hero among women for his camp label recorded “Push Lady Push” single. Animating the powerful words empowering mothers through a music video, Kings of Kings has served to increase the popularity of the institutional song that shows no sign of diminishing anytime soon. The video for the song for all seasons, written by Black Lion, was shot by Kings of Kings production and directed by Ocku Unuru.
The concept for the music video currently being aired on all music video channels was derived from the lyrics of the song but formatted by the directors. Among the locations where the video crew shot scenes were Portmore and Caymanas mineral in St. Catherine.
Carefully thought out to make the video carry the message of the song, the directors used scenes depicting Black Lion rescuing depressed young mothers-to-be who tried to end their pregnancies – one by jumping out of a tree and another by drowning.
“You don’t know what the baby can be/a doctor for you/or a teacher for me,” Lion sings encouraging mothers not to give up on the child.
“The concept is really what I am singing about putting it together to make it manifest. Everything in the video is in the song. I was inspired to write the song because of my own mother who made it possible for me to be here. It is for every mother who bears the pain that we could all be here to tell them we know the pain. You never know what the baby can be,” Lion said.
Recently the singer was given the opportunity to passionately represent his views on the TVJ programme Man Talk where the topic being discussed was Abortion.
Black Lion, who has performed on most major shows in Jamaica, including Reggae Sumfest annually in Montego Bay (his hometown) recently moved to Kingston to solidify his singing career. His debut on the sting line-up this year is a step forward to this end.
The soulful singer has a signature sound like early stalwarts Mykal Rose and Junior Reid, yet with his own distinct mark he has amassed several recordings, enough to drop an album. In fact, working with the Colin Levy-led Kings of Kings label, an album is expected by next year. Among the tracks that may be included are ‘Push lady push’, new tracks ‘System’, Rough Time’ featuring Harmony House artiste Ginger and Europe ready ‘Good Looking’ featuring Junior Reid and Hugh Mundell Jr. He also has a single defending the integrity of his faith,’ Rasta nuh involve Inna Robbery’. A remake of the Great Train Robbery rhythm may also make the cut. “I am fine –tuning from a list of songs while gaining some more works wit the guitar,” Lion tells.
- Xnews Jamaica
Discography
2007 Better Place (cd) distributed by Jetstars Record
Single ; I Know on tiger records
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Black Lion is ready to rock the world.The man from St. James has been preparing for stardom from the age of ten when he began working with Kangol International, a sound system from Montego bay.He continued his work with sound systems when he came to Kingston and had stints on African Symbol and the famous Youthman Promotion. In the early days his name was called with the young up comers such as Yami Bolo and White mice and in fact his first stage name was Black Mice. At ten years , he recorded his first song, 'Sit still' for Rock Stone Production. He Continued to hone his performing skills by appearing on numerous concerts and stage shows in Kingston and St. James. He relocated to St. James and became one of the leading locals acts in the region appearing on all major events including Reggae Kwanza , All Schools Jam and Reggae Sunsplash.
In 1995 Black Mice gave way to Black Lion as the St. James star found Rastafari through an intense spiritual journey which changed his life. Bouyed by his new found spiritual awakening Black Lion redirected himself to his music. His first recording as a Rastafarian was ' Grow Yor Locks'. He soon found a mentor in reggae legend Beres Hammond and spent the last couple of years under his guidance and recording for Hammond's Harmony House Label also doing a duet with Hammond. During this period he wowed the audiences at many concerts including Reggae Sumfest and had the distinction of appearing at the Festival seven times.
Black lion's first hit single ' Push Lady push' has recieved consistent airplay and critical acclaim. He performd gigs in Canada and made a lasting impression with his explosive performances. Another single which recieved heavy rotation on Irie Fm is 'Rasta Nah involve Inna No Robbery' which was produced by Fabian Francis of Undeniable Records.
Black lion whose given name is Kenroy Williams see's his music as a Universal message and not limited to his religious beliefs."You can't put your personal religious belief in every song" declared the singer. He wants to work with some friends in Hip Hop such as Outkast, Busta Rhymes and Carl Thomas."I love dancehall and it is great but one drop reggae is more universal and long lasting so I want to stick to that but I want to do some Crossover stuff to reach different and wider markets". Black Lion cites Stevie Wonder , Black Uhuru and Reginal belle as his influences. A very skilled Kette drummer , he is currently working on his guitar skills and still writing new songs for his craft with explosive stage performances, the singer / songwriter / drummer is ready to make his mark.
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