Roaring Lion (2)

Noel Lee, 1969, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. He started his working life in the construction industry, although he was always drawn to the dancehall scene in the nation’s capital. His early inspiration came from the conscientious DJs such as Big Youth, Brigadier Jerry, Scotty and U-Roy.

In 1990, Lee recorded his underrated debut ‘Jah Send A Prophet’. Shabba Ranks covered the song. Lee later performed as Balance and Brown Lion, with little success. The singer had become a close friend of Fred Locks and in 1998 Locks introduced him to Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell. The renowned producer enrolled Lee to join the Xterminator Crew. Performing as Roaring Lion and sometimes as Lion, he played in his own sing-jay style that was similar to Tenor Saw, King Kong and Nitty Gritty. Further releases included ‘Calling For Peace’, the sublime ‘Home’, ‘Rivers To Cross’, and ‘Mama Works’, ‘Nah Rich And Switch’. His perseverance was rewarded in 1999 when his debut album was released in the USA to widespread acclaim. Fatis Burrell supervised the sessions and suggested the performer permanently drop the ‘Roaring’ tag.