5 Questions with Warrior King

He may be the king of warriors, but his songs reflect themes of love, commitment, humility, level-headedness and spiritual refreshing rather than fighting and war. Warrior King, however, easily explains what would seem to be an anomaly.

He notes that there are times when a man has to be as bold and fearless as a warrior to achieve his goals and command respect, and that can oftentimes be accomplished without a physical fight. But he also pointed out that being warriors are an integral part of the legacy from Mama Africa, a place he holds dear to his heart, so much so that one of his latest releases is a track titled Ethiopia.

“That is a song that I wrote because of the lot of tribal wars that have been taking place in Ethiopia and it is being ignored. As a Rastaman, Ethiopia is sentimental to me as the cradle of civilisation and as a songwriter it is my duty to shed light on happenings and make people realise what is going on,” he said.

Warrior King recalled that when he first started out in the music business he patterned the style of hardcore deejay Bounty Killer, who was his original mentor, but he later came into his own and embraced the natural singjay within him and curved his lyrics and delivery.

“People started telling me they love my style of singing now. So, really and truly it’s just a natural change,” he recalled.

Armed with a big, bad song, Virtuous Woman, the musical warrior championed the cause of women and more than 20 years later, they remain his loyal fans.

“Some parts of the world they call me the ‘King of Love Songs’. I write songs from the heart ... 95 per cent of my songs I write them,” he said.

In recognition of Warrior King’s contribution to reggae music, the Caribbean Afro Music Awards (CAMA) has recognised his creativity and has nominated him in the Best Reggae Act category for the 2023 awards, which will be presented on October 15. CAMA is an annual award ceremony acknowledging and rewarding British and international talent from the musical genres of Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, soca, reggaeton and gospel.

1. How did you get the name Warrior King and what was your original name?

Frisco Kid changed my name from Junior King to Warrior King because it has a more spiritual feel to it. Fighting against oppression, fighting against wrong. I’m Jah Warrior, yuh know, fighting a war of rootical love.

2. How do you feel about the CAMA nomination?

I am extremely delighted. It is an honour.

3. Father’s Day is Sunday. Share with us how you felt when you became a father for the very first time.

In all honesty, I was a bit nervous at first, but afterwards getting to bond with my son, the fatherly instinct automatically chipped in.

4. You have spoken about the good relationship that you enjoy with your own father. What lessons did your father teach you about being a good father?

I’ve learnt many lessons from my father like being humble, kind, courteous. And now being a father myself the most important thing I’ve learnt from my dad is that no matter how much you’ve taught your child/children, you have to give them the space to allow them to follow their dreams and aspirations as they become adults.

5. What is your message to fathers who refuse to step up to their responsibility?

I would tell them to re-evaluate their decision as it could have a long-term effect on their child/children, and always try to do your best no matter the circumstances.

BRAWTA: On Father’s Day, you will be performing at Reggae For Breakfast at Hope Gardens. If you had to sing two songs dedicated to fathers, which songs would you choose?

I would choose Never Go Where Pagans Go and Can’t Get Me Down.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com