By: Bakary Ceesay
Masta Lion, Finland based Gambian Afro Reggae Artiste is set for a massive ‘Tribute to Mama’ Album launching on 18th March at Brikama Youth Centre.
The Album launching will be hold in a different venue in the Gambia to be back by live band performances of Kebba Taylor and Friends band on the 19th March live in Busumbala Hall, on 25th Willy’s Night club in Lamin and on 26th live in Kartong Riverside.
Featuring live performances by Masta Lion, St, Black Thunder, Tsmallz, ENC, Youtha Dread, Phylantropy, Binzy, Jah Michael, Akipunture, Mad Dot, Sparklyn Black, Salam Band and special guest artiste Munga Di Honourable from Jamaica, to be back by Dj Fireman and DJ Lucky Bobb.
Finland based Gambian Afro Reggae Artist, Masta Lion, has started his recording artist skills in a most prolific way as he released his debut album titled ‘’Tribute To Mama’’. The promoter / artist lost his dear Mother in 2021 which sad news took place at his birthplace The Gambia, West Africa.
A story of sorrow turns to inspirations and meditations as it dedicates a solemn moment into reflecting and composing songs ready for the studios. Soon he recorded a fascinating Mandingo song featuring Black Thunder, a Swiss based Gambian musician.
Masta blended his promotion skills and love for reggae music of twenty years and more in the music field experience, bringing about a perfect afro-reggae album that featured various Gambian and Jamaican artists.
On the track list goes ‘’ I Rise ‘’ with Sizzla Kalongi, ‘’ Africa Arise’’ featuring Anthony B, ‘’ Spread Love’’ with Ras Askia, ‘’ Alfalu ‘’ a collabo with Singateh, ‘’ True Friends ‘’ featuring Akipunture and a scintillating Afro-reggae hit with Black Thunder titled ‘’ Al-kanasong’’.
Masta Lion’s evolution into the recording and performing arts industry allowed him to introduce another element to his name and extend the range of his talent even further from business to a performing act. His ability to talk about Africa and its underdevelopment, lack of togetherness and disunity makes it easy to be listened to, as he challenges the boundaries of people at the same time to tell stories, in the depth of movement and composition musically.
His evening deejaying of nostalgia gave him the opportunity to stage club parties and live musical shows / events. Popular touring bands and solo artists acquire his services as a deejay and booking agent in Central Europe. Nightlife in Helsinki visibilly includes his showcases and that provided later a platform for Morgan Heritage Family historic performance in Helsinki at “Vanha” Concert hall.
Masta has hosted several events from 2010 to 2019 respectively. Amongst them is the Jamaican Reggae sensation Chronixx and the Zinc Fence Band as well as Kabaka Pyramid, Tarrus Riley and Luciano. Indulging in positive vibes and energy, he decided to study event management and hospitality thereby, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2010.
Eventually, he established the Masta Lion’s Promotion whose sole aim and goals are to promote cultural exchange, artistic expression and diversity. As the organizer of Street Reggae Festival and Myyrmäki music festival (MM Fest) in Uusimaa, Masta Lion manages to be a recognized registered member of the Finnish Collective Management Organisation- “Teosto”.
The Masta Lion first ever album is a major twist, mesmerizing and at the same time fulfilling and couldn’t come at a better time. He strongly engulfed himself with optimism, hardwork and dedication to go far with his new challenging music career.
His afro.reggae music style and pathway is needed more than ever to remind the new generation about the spiritual power of reggae music as an entertaining genre.