Jamaican roots-reggae artiste Droop Lion became very aware of the social injustices and realities of life in the island, as he lost his own mother to political violence as an infant.
For Droop Lion, music is a medium to uplift and inspire people, especially when at times hope is scarce. He therefore intends to deliver music rooted in resilience and cultural consciousness with his new album Roar. Born Andrew Brown and raised between St Mary and Kingston by his father and grandmother, Droop Lion developed a strong sense of justice that formed the foundation of his music. It was also part of his DNA as his grand-uncle, David Webber, was among the founding members of The Gladiators, one of Jamaica’s early roots-reggae groups. Joining the band as lead vocalist in 2014, Droop Lion stepped into a legacy that has helped shape his own musical perspective on reggae and its impact on listeners worldwide.
Produced by K-Jah Sound, Roar is his third studio album and marks a defining moment for him, as he said he was able to take the teachings of those who went before him and build on it in order to produce something that is authentic and purposeful.
“The Gladiators’ music is foundation music and being part of that legacy teaches you that reggae is more than entertainment. It is a message and a mission,” he said. Droop Lion also had the privilege of being mentored by musical icons such as Ervin ‘Alla’ Lloyd from the reggae band Chalice, as well as Toots Hibbert and others with whom he came in contact over the years. All of this has assisted in refining his artistry and deepened his understanding of reggae music. His professional journey in the industry began with Back on Track in 2014, released with The Gladiators. It continued with his solo album Ideologies in 2017. Both projects reflected his evolution as a roots-reggae singer, combining conscious lyrics with authentic Jamaican rhythms.
The single Last Time, he said, offers a first glimpse of sounds that combine roots rhythms with socially conscious storytelling. It amplifies his message that has been transformed by his origins and carried to the world, proving that roots-reggae still resonates with listeners because it speaks to the struggles and triumphs of people everywhere.
