Warrior King marks five years since baptism in Ethiopian Orthodox Church
Praying through music for African nations
Published:Sunday | February 26, 2023 | 12:15 AMStephanie Lyew - Gleaner Writer
Reggae singer and songwriter, Warrior King, declared his faith in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) approximately five years ago and has since then felt more connected to the east African country of Ethiopia, he said.
With news circulating of ongoing civil conflict involving ethno-regional militias, the federal government and the Eritrean military, the Kingston-born artiste has been feeling “heartbroken”, but he is hoping to raise awareness on the war as a means to get the country help.
“Ethiopia is the pride of Africa; it has long been a symbol of hope, freedom, unity and the prosperity of the black people as they alone among African nations were never colonised by European powers. Everything that happened in Ethiopia inspired the Pan-African Movement for Marcus Garvey and many others. It goes to show how great they are and how proud the people there should be of their legacy. It’s painful for me to see what the tribal war is causing in the country,” Warrior King told The Gleaner.
The Africa Shall Be Free artiste said that one of his first tools to educate himself about the African nations was music and through the songs of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Garnet Silk and The Abyssinians, all of whom have varied connections to the EOC.
“Reggae music is known for addressing these types of issues with songs like Zimbabwe by Bob Marley and Apartheid by Peter Tosh. Bob Marley was baptised Berhane Selassie in the church. I have been trying to keep the trend, and continue the mission through my music, but I wonder if all our reggae artistes really understand how much the genre does for the world,” said Warrior King, adding that “the baptismal name I was given is Wolde Maraim which means ‘Son of Mary’.”
He recently released a single titled Ethiopia, which he wrote as a tribute to the country’s rich history and culture and that also marks his baptism.
Warrior King, whose birth name is Mark Dyer, wants the song to serve as a “call to action for the global community to pay attention to the tribal war” that is currently causing distress to the people especially the youth and to work towards a better future for the people of the country he said.
“It is saying a lot in a simple way,” said the artiste.
The song was recorded on the Roots and Righteousness rhythm, produced by Richard Roache of Digital 1 Production and Aston and Floyd Francis Barrett of Fams House Production.
“In addition to the pioneers who inspire me, Ethiopian Priest Tekle Mariam, he had visited me and we hol’ a deep reasoning where him advise me to use music. Although people around the globe might have heard the war was resolved, it has filtered into the church specifically the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church because persons want their language to be the primary language spoken in the church. There is still tribal tension and it has opened doors for outside forces to come in and cause an even bigger division among the communities. I hope that this song can be a source of hope and inspiration for the people of Ethiopia and for all those who love the country,” he said.
“Anything happening in Africa, affect we too and the artistes used to be about addressing the issues and spreading the music to the public sphere (so) we can help bring about chance at the highest levels. I want to use my voice to bring attention to the struggles of the people in Ethiopia and to all African nations and also solutions that can bring about peace and harmony for the future. Same for everything that is going on here in the country right now, I felt like it was important to use my voice to bring attention to the situation and to inspire people to take action especially when there is a need for conscious music,” Warrior King continued.