Shango Trex

Born Dennis Llewellyn, “Shango Trex” boasts a sound that is seasoned with experience. He has spent 20 years giving the fans what they want, but more so what they need. Years of touring on the world stage have given this reggae veteran a vocal prowess that is rarely seen in today’s reggae music. Lyrics, both soothing and hard-hitting are accompanied by the true musicianship of this multi-faceted reggae artist.
Shango Trex was given this royal moniker by a Yoruba priest who was impressed by his commanding stage presence and fiery yet humble nature. He found his passion for music while accompanying a childhood friend, Dexter, to classes at the National Cadet Orchestra. Though his first interest was in the horns section, this budding musician soon developed a passion for singing. Soon the group called, The Matchmakers, was born and Shango began to take himself seriously as a vocalist. He cultivated his voice diligently, first singing at Churches in central Kingston. Later while working, Shango rehearsed with White Squall, a vocal reggae band that practiced nearby. He also began to work closely with Freddie Brown who coached him vocally.
In 1985 Shango traveled to Westmorland where he linked up with Ninja Force Band. Shango’s talent made itself evident as he soon took over the spot as lead singer for the group. Ninja Force found themselves opening on tour for such reggae greats as Gregory Isaacs, Professor Nuts and the crowned Prince of Reggae, the late Dennis Emanuel Brown. With Shango at the helm, Ninja Force was so popular that they were asked to perform at Reggae Sunsplash for two years in a row, 1988 and 1989. Shango eventually settled in Japan after many years of touring. There he obtained a record deal as a solo artist with Avex Trax in 1991. Shortly after, Shango had the opportunity to open in Japan with Frankie Paul and in the USA for Luciano and Beres Hammond.
While a unique artist in his own right, Shango Trex gets his musical inspiration from a diverse group of artists; Bob and Dennis, of course, and also Smokey Robinson and The Stylistics. Shango Trex was so glad that he had the honor of sharing the stage with one of his musical mentors before his untimely death, the late Garnett Silk. “Garnett had a way of making everyone around him feel special”, Shango remembers. “He was a good man who made people feel so royal. He wasn’t just a gifted artist, but a humanitarian”. Through his production company Stashang Inc., Shango is intent on spreading love, light and Rastafari through the four corners of the globe. “No matter what obstacles we face in life we must stay strong, stay positive and strive for peace,” Shango explains. “We’re all in the belly of the beast. The only way for us to attain victory is through love”.

Shango Trex, the artist, is part of reggae’s foundation and Shango Trex, The Album, adds to the building blocks of a musical legacy. Big vocals, big music, big artist: Shango Trex.

Shango Trex is available digitally on digstation.com, cdbaby.com, itunes, Napster, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody, www.ebreggae.com and other digital music outlets.