Surforeggae interviews DROOP LION, the new vocalist of the legendary The Gladiators! Check it out!

Rafael Costa, from the Surforeggae portal, had the opportunity to interview the new singer of the legendary Jamaican group The Gladiators. Droop Lion took over from Al Griffiths (son of Albert Griffiths) and intends to bring new air to the group that has had a 46-year career. Check out the interview!

THE INTERVIEW

Rafael) The Gladiators are one of Jamaica's most legendary groups. What does it mean to be part of this team now? Droop Lion) It is always a pleasure to be among legends, it allows us to acquire knowledge and exercise and expand our vision of things and life. Rafael) How did you get the invitation to become the new singer of The Gladiators? Droop Lion) It came right after one of my first performances on a European tour I did with Capleton. My managers told me about the invitation and I agreed knowing that I would be taking my music and message to a new platform. Rafael) Tell us a little about your history in music and your career before joining the group. How did you start? What are your influences? Droop Lion) Despite growing up in a musical family, a music producer friend named "Mr. Small" was the first to take me to a studio to record. That allowed me to show my work to several other producers. In my career I have always tried to demonstrate strong determination. My influences come from the Almighty because he is the greatest force that can get you through any situation. If I were following or worshiping anyone else, I would be doing something wrong. Jah Rastafari is always the one from whom I seek to learn and who guides me on my path. Rafael) Do you write your own lyrics? Besides your vocals, how do you intend to collaborate with the group? Droop Lion) Yes, I write my own songs and will collaborate on them as well. My voice is an instrument that will be added to the group and I hope that with our union we will be able to make history in the Reggae world. Rafael) There are "two The Gladiators" now, one with the original members and the other with Al Griffiths, son of Albert Griffiths. What do the original members think about this situation? What can you tell The Gladiators fans about this? Droop Lion) Well, the original members of The Gladiators are still together. So for someone to go out there and call themselves The Gladiators without the original members leaves room for several questions to be answered. I am the nephew of David Webber, who was one of the founders of the group and I could not even call myself "The Gladiators" without the blessing of the original members, even though I have the group's DNA in my veins. Well, what I have to say to The Gladiators fans is that I'm here out of respect for the band's veterans. The group continues together including Anthony, son of Albert Griffiths and who is the group's drummer. So he (Al Griffiths) needs to explain to the fans as being the last member to join the group why he is no longer with them. Rafael) When will your first tour be with the group and which countries will you perform in? Droop Lion) The Gladiators' first tour with me will be in Europe this winter and will last exactly 4 weeks where we will perform in the main countries of the old continent, including France, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, among others. Rafael) What do you think about the current state of Jamaican Reggae? Is there some kind of return to the roots or has Dancehall dominated the scene? Droop Lion) Reggae will always be there as a great force in our heritage as Jamaicans. It was from reggae that dancehall and many other styles emerged, but it will never disappear despite others becoming popular. Rafael) We've heard rumors that Clinton Fearon may return to the group as well. What can you say about this? Droop Lion) Well, I wouldn't like to speculate, but as an original member of the group, Clinton Fearon will certainly always be welcome back. Rafael) What does Reggae represent in your life? Droop Lion) Reggae is my life and he represents it. Without him, I'm not me. Rafael) Do you know anything about Brazil or Brazilian music? And Brazilian Reggae? Do you know any groups? Droop Lion) Brazil is a very vast South American country with people of different nationalities and cultures. When someone talks about Brazil, Jamaicans immediately remember the Amazon and football. I also know that Brazil has the largest concentration of black people outside of Africa in the world and that they love Reggae. One of the instruments that makes the sound of Reggae more attractive is the guitar and in Brazil there are excellent guitarists. Brazilian Reggae is good! It's another child of our Jamaican sound. I remember the group Tribo de Jah, it's a great band. Rafael) Lately many artists are recording with collaborations with others. Are The Gladiators planning partnerships with other artists or singers? Droop Lion) You can wait, as surprises will be coming (smiles). Rafael) Thank you very much Droop Lion for the interview! Leave a message for Brazilian fans of The Gladiators. Droop Lion) Thank you. May Brazilians enjoy life and the blessings of Jah. You can expect a great show when we go to South America. Jah Guia!