Warrior King

Warrior King is a Jamaican reggae singer associated with Rastafarian and conscious lyrics. He is born in Kingston in 1979 and grows up first in Clarendon, then in Portmore from the age of eleven. He begins performing at school concerts and talent shows before developing a style that moves from hardcore deejay delivery into a more melodic singjay approach. He also changes his name from Junior King to Warrior King to reflect a more spiritual and anti-oppression identity.

Early life and musical development

Warrior King says he has loved music from an early age, but starts thinking of it as a possible career while at high school around the age of thirteen. He initially follows the style of Bounty Killer, then develops his own approach with encouragement from friends and peers. His early live experience comes through school concerts and performance combinations with Likkle Blacks, also identified as Marlon Stewart, including appearances at the Tastee’s Talent Show.

Breakthrough and recordings

His debut single, “Virtuous Woman,” becomes an international success in 2001 and brings him wider attention in Jamaica and beyond. Other songs mentioned as helping establish his reputation include “A Friend Indeed,” “Jah Is Always There,” and “Never Go Where Pagans Go.” The latter appears on VP Records’ compilation Reggae Gold 2002, which further raises his profile.

Warrior King’s first full-length album is Virtuous Woman, released on VP Records. It includes 17 tracks and features production from Sheldon “Calibud” Stewart, Richard “Chabano” Brown, Lion Paw and Penthouse, with guest appearances by Jahmali and the dub poet DYCR. Songs on the album include “Power To Chant,” “Love Jah and Live” and “Boast Not Myself.”

Themes and style

Warrior King describes his music as having a purpose and a mission, with an emphasis on purity, truth, education and upliftment. His lyrics reflect Rastafarian beliefs and reference Hailie Selassie I, with messages directed to listeners of all races. His work is presented as rooted in spirituality and what he calls “rootical love.”

Recognition and reach

Following “Virtuous Woman,” his songs chart in Jamaica, across the Caribbean, and in cities including New York, London and Tokyo. The Jamaica Observer describes him as one of the artistes who make a difference in 2001.