Roots Reggae singer, songwriter and producer, Shango Trex, is a man with a mission. “My style of music is strictly roots reggaemuffin,” says Shango in an interview with WhereItzAt. The jolly dread was given his stage moniker by a Yoruba priest who was impressed with his energy and awesome stage presence. “However, it’s not angry and aggressive. For me it’s all about fun, but not in the same manner that Babylon uses the word to reflect a hedonist’s pursuit of spiritual death and destruction. My music aims to bring everyone closer to Jah. I don’t want people to fear Jah.”
In a time in which hopelessness and depression are at all-time highs, it’s important that entertainers remind us why we insist on persisting beyond all of the doubt and insecurity. Shango does just that on his self-titled LP issued on his very own Stashang Wan Muzik label in collaboration with Ed Robinson’s E2 Recordings. “This is a lover’s rock album,” says Shango. “We’re bringing back authentic, feel-good music that people can hold on to. Weather you love dancehall, roots, or lover’s rock, this is an album that everyone can appreciate.”
On this 12-track disc the righteous Rastaman blends poignant lyrics, live production (courtesy of Ed Robinson) and comely vocals that are sure to satisfy any reggae-starved soul. The LP’s lead single, “Tell Me,” is truly a melodic display of Shango’s amorous passion. Born Dennis Llewellyn to proud Jamaican parents in the parish of Kingston, Shango is a dedicated reggae music artist. When he was just a little boy his love for the music captured his young heart and held his soul hostage. Now he’s held prisoner to a rhythm that won’t let him go.
Shango learned music in what was then the National Cadet Orchestra. The curious singer-to-be took an immediate liking to the bugle and trumpet which he played quite frequently. Their friendship culminated in the formation of a singing group called the Matchmakers. Dexter saw that his comrade had a passion for music and encouraged him to sing. “Singing was something I always wanted to do, but at the time I never really took myself seriously.” However, Shango sharpened his chops singing at St. George’s Anglican Church and Wildman Street Pentecostal Church in central Kingston. Later, while working for the Jamaican Department of Labor, Shango linked up with White Squall, a local reggae band that practiced nearby. He worked closely with Freddie Brown who gave him some helpful voice coaching.
Before long, Shango traveled to West Moreland, Jamaica and joined the Ninja Force Band in 1985. The voice coaching the budding artist received evidently came in handy. In the flash of a lightening bolt Shango emerged as one of the Force’s lead singers. The group toured with some of reggae and dancehall’s great acts. The impressive list reads like a who-is-who of the Jamaican music universe with names like Gregory Isaacs, Professor Nuts and the crowned Prince of Reggae, the late Dennis Emanuel Brown. Shango and Ninja Force were so impressive they were asked to perform at Reggae Sunsplash two years in a row (1988 and 1989).
After touring the globe, Shango settled in Japan where he obtained a record deal as a solo artist with Avex Trax in 1991. Since then, Shango has shared the bill with some prominent Reggae artists, including one of his mentors, Garnett Silk. “Garnett had a away of making everyone around him feel special,” Shango remembers. “He was a good man who made people feel so royal. He wasn’t just a gifted artist, but a humanitarian.”
Through his production company Stashang Wan Muzik Inc—which he founded alongside his Empress Avril Aiken—Shango is intent on spreading love, light and Rastafari through the four corners of the globe. “No matter what obstacles we face in life we must stay strong, stay positive and strive for peace,” Shango explains. “We’re all in the belly of the beast, and the only way for us to attain victory is through a love for life….Rastafari blessing always.”
Shango’s new album can be purchased at Moody’s Records, VP Records, iTunes, CD Baby, Napster, Ruckus, Digi Station, Groupie Tunes.
Checkout Shango Trex on digistation.com and make yourself a new friend by logging to myspace.com/shagotrex
In a time in which hopelessness and depression are at all-time highs, it’s important that entertainers remind us why we insist on persisting beyond all of the doubt and insecurity. Shango does just that on his self-titled LP issued on his very own Stashang Wan Muzik label in collaboration with Ed Robinson’s E2 Recordings. “This is a lover’s rock album,” says Shango. “We’re bringing back authentic, feel-good music that people can hold on to. Weather you love dancehall, roots, or lover’s rock, this is an album that everyone can appreciate.”
On this 12-track disc the righteous Rastaman blends poignant lyrics, live production (courtesy of Ed Robinson) and comely vocals that are sure to satisfy any reggae-starved soul. The LP’s lead single, “Tell Me,” is truly a melodic display of Shango’s amorous passion. Born Dennis Llewellyn to proud Jamaican parents in the parish of Kingston, Shango is a dedicated reggae music artist. When he was just a little boy his love for the music captured his young heart and held his soul hostage. Now he’s held prisoner to a rhythm that won’t let him go.
Shango learned music in what was then the National Cadet Orchestra. The curious singer-to-be took an immediate liking to the bugle and trumpet which he played quite frequently. Their friendship culminated in the formation of a singing group called the Matchmakers. Dexter saw that his comrade had a passion for music and encouraged him to sing. “Singing was something I always wanted to do, but at the time I never really took myself seriously.” However, Shango sharpened his chops singing at St. George’s Anglican Church and Wildman Street Pentecostal Church in central Kingston. Later, while working for the Jamaican Department of Labor, Shango linked up with White Squall, a local reggae band that practiced nearby. He worked closely with Freddie Brown who gave him some helpful voice coaching.
Before long, Shango traveled to West Moreland, Jamaica and joined the Ninja Force Band in 1985. The voice coaching the budding artist received evidently came in handy. In the flash of a lightening bolt Shango emerged as one of the Force’s lead singers. The group toured with some of reggae and dancehall’s great acts. The impressive list reads like a who-is-who of the Jamaican music universe with names like Gregory Isaacs, Professor Nuts and the crowned Prince of Reggae, the late Dennis Emanuel Brown. Shango and Ninja Force were so impressive they were asked to perform at Reggae Sunsplash two years in a row (1988 and 1989).
After touring the globe, Shango settled in Japan where he obtained a record deal as a solo artist with Avex Trax in 1991. Since then, Shango has shared the bill with some prominent Reggae artists, including one of his mentors, Garnett Silk. “Garnett had a away of making everyone around him feel special,” Shango remembers. “He was a good man who made people feel so royal. He wasn’t just a gifted artist, but a humanitarian.”
Through his production company Stashang Wan Muzik Inc—which he founded alongside his Empress Avril Aiken—Shango is intent on spreading love, light and Rastafari through the four corners of the globe. “No matter what obstacles we face in life we must stay strong, stay positive and strive for peace,” Shango explains. “We’re all in the belly of the beast, and the only way for us to attain victory is through a love for life….Rastafari blessing always.”
Shango’s new album can be purchased at Moody’s Records, VP Records, iTunes, CD Baby, Napster, Ruckus, Digi Station, Groupie Tunes.
Checkout Shango Trex on digistation.com and make yourself a new friend by logging to myspace.com/shagotrex
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