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Artist Profiles |
Red Star Lion
November 4th 2006 Barbados’ newest reggae sensation Matthew Thomas, alias Red Star Lion made his first appearance on the big stage at ‘Reggae Sunset Jam’ which was held at the Barbados National Stadium. This was due to the impact of his self-produced debut single “You Are The One”. Three weeks after the song first aired, Red Star Lion was given the opportunity to open the show and set the stage for Damien “Junior Gong” Marley, and other internationally known artistes such as “Cocoa Tea” and “Baby Cham.” A gigantic stage to make ones debut on.
This talent has performed in the spirit of love for free in the Temple Yard (Rasta yard) and is slowly being seen as a young ambassador of truth, freedom and love. March 1st 2007 he also made a guess appearance for The Pan African Organization at the Old Spirit Bond Mall. Red Star Lion blessed the stage once again on September 13th opening for Jamaican “Tarrus Riley,” and award winning African star “2face Idibia” where he was noted as having the strongest performance amongst the local talent according to the Barbados “HEAT” (local newspaper). On October 3rd Red Star Lion continued in the same vein for ‘Oktoberfest’ which showcased Sony recording artist “Collie Budz”. The crowd response on this occasion was overwhelming, signifying the official arrival of a talent to watch for in the future. Subsequently, on Nov 3rd he was asked to perform as the final act of the local artistes who were slated to open at Reggae Spice; a show consisting of heavy weights such as: Richie Spice, Turbulence, the legendary Charlie Chaplin and brother of the late Garnet Silk “Omar Silk”. It was at this concert that it became evident that Red Star Lion’s music has been touching the minds of the Barbadian public. His performance seemed no less than excellent with the audience crooning along to every word that was sung. It was described as one of the best performances by any local act for the entire year.
Red Star Lion’s diversity and sound has earned him spots on more artistic shows such as “Iron Sharpen Iron” alongside alternative acts such as “Kite”, Spoken word artists Adrian Green and Dj Simmons which took place on November 10th 2007 at the Lime Lite Café. In December 2007 he performed for the long awaited Jah Cure who appeared with Everton Blender, Anthony B and Spragga Benz out of Jamaica. This show was held at the National Stadium and was the biggest show held in Barbados for the entire year. It is evident that Red Star Lion’s presence is being felt by the fact that he was the most requested artiste on the reggae circuit for the last half of 2007 (after the crop over festival). One must also keep in mind that this all occurred in his first year in the industry. Since the 2007 reggae season Red Star Lion returned to the lab to create more hits with “Reggae on The Hill” as his main focus for early 2008 in terms of local performances. Red Lion graced the stage at Reggae on the Hill (Barbados’ Premier Reggae show) for the first time on April 29th 2008. With another memorable performance he stamped his authority on the reggae scene performing amongst messengers such as Capleton,Sizzla,Jah Cure and Taurus Riley.
Overall, Red Star Lion’s main characteristic maybe that of his crossover potential and ability to reach every type of crowd, evidenced by his air play on every major station in Barbados and requests to perform by diverse audiences such as the Rastafarian temple Yard, the Harbour Lights “possie” ( top night club) and functions held by the Pan African movement. His success in the last year earned him a spot on the recently released “Reggae Baje Vol2” cd entitled ‘Reggae is love’ which became the most played compilation by local radio. This new face can now be seen on various television commercials both local and regional and has landed the lead role in a movie to be shot later this year. Due to the rise in demand by the general public and members of the music industry for this new found son of Barbadian soil, this year looks to be a hectic one. Until then one can expect to hear truth, love and peace coming from the mouth of Red Star Lion. " I am whatever you think I am in your world. I know who I am. I am what I am and that's what the world in this time calls a rastaman. I am just being me, doing the most high's will and when I am on this plane I tend to sing. I always have and always will sing songs of freedom. I'm free and I love you more.” Red Star Lion
Red Star Lion
Email: theredstarlion@gmail.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/theredstarlion
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The Topgunner Djs comprising of 40+ radio professionals across the Caribbean provide the raw data for this, the original, Caribbean Music Chart, showing the top 30 songs, getting radio airplay across THE CARIBBEAN, all with some element of Caribbean origin. Our mission in sharing this weekly tabulation is to build awareness of the fantastic talent making music in THE CARIBBEAN. The Caribbean Hot 30 radio show is already breaking ground in 19 Caribbean Islands. |
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