How it all Started
Masta Lion is a Gambian born in Brikama town in the West Coast Region, currently living in Finland.
“Music is in my blood, inherited from my Beloved Mother (May Her Soul Continue to rest in peace) and she has been my inspiration since childhood. In my youth, I used to go with my Mother to different religious gatherings where I started my singing career, but due to circumstances I was unable to follow that path seriously. In the early 90s, I started working as a deejay in different local events; club gigs, private events, festivals, etc. I Dj’ed while studying and it became a passion, it wasn’t easy but I was prepared to face the challenges ahead on my musical journey. I studied multicultural event management and acquired a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management, which prepared me to do events bringing people from different backgrounds together.“
Background to Album “Tribute to Mama”
Masta Lion lost his beloved Mother in 2021, in Brikama, Gambia, West Africa. Agony led to meditation, reflection, and self-exploration, becoming the inspiration behind his new path as a recording artist. The combination of sorrow and hard work brought about his debut album, ‘’Tribute to Mama’’, dedicated to his mother.
Masta Lion blends his promotional skills with over twenty years of love and experience in Reggae producing the perfect Afro-Reggae album featuring various Gambian and Jamaican artists. The tracks include ‘’ I Rise ‘’ with Sizzla Kalongi, ‘’ Africa Arise’’ featuring Anthony B, ‘’ Spread Love’’ with Ras Askia, ‘’ Alfalu ‘’ a collaboration with Singateh, ‘’ True Friends ‘’ featuring Akipunture, and a scintillating Afro-Reggae song with Black Thunder titled ‘’ Al-kanasong’’.
Musical Background
Masta Lion’s evolution into a blossoming recording and performing artist has allowed him to widen his professional scope from business to performing arts. His ability to talk about Africa and its underdevelopment and disunity has the power to attract, inspire, educate, and engage listeners, challenging the boundaries of people and societies.
Deejaying and promotional work gave Masta Lion the opportunity to stage club parties, live musical shows, and events. Popular touring bands and solo artists demanded his services as both a deejay, and a booking agent in Europe and beyond. Masta Lion is an inseparable part of the Helsinki nightlife. Morgan Heritage Family historic performance in Helsinki at “Vanha” Concert Hall was organized by Masta Lion Promotion. Masta Lion has hosted various phenomenal events from 2010 onwards, such as Jamaican Reggae sensation Chronixx and the Zinc Fence Band, Kabaka Pyramid, Tarrus Riley, and Luciano.
Masta Lion studied event management and hospitality, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2010, giving him the opportunity and the skills to establish the Masta Lion Promotion to help promote cultural exchange, and artistic expression and diversity in Finland, Gambia, and Europe at large. Masta Lion Promotion is the organizer of the Street Reggae Festival and Myyrmäki music festival (MM Fest), held in Vantaa.
Masta Lion’s first album is a major artistic contribution, soulful and inspirational.
Masta Lion’s Mission and Vision
Masta Lion is moving up and forward, towards a brighter future and a hope for deeper unity and helping people to see what really matters.
Masta Lion is hard working and dedicated, always aspiring to new professional heights. His style and lyrics are like a breath of fresh air providing spiritual guidance while spreading unity through music.
Spreading peace, love and unity through music, in addition to inspiring, motivating and educating, is Masta Lion’s vision for the future.