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Biography
Ancient King, born Wendell Francois, hails from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. In
2002, he was featured on I Grade Records' acclaimed compilation, Weep Not (recording under
the name, Willow). Tunes like "Manage" and "Ancient of Days" were
well-received by listeners, DJís and reviewers around the world. Since that time, Ancient King
has sharpened his craft through recording and stage show work in the Newport News, VA area with
the King Lion Crew. He is known for his high energy stage performances and has shared the stage
with many different artists including Yellowman and Capleton. Ancient King also released two songs
on Indigo International's compilation album, The B Sides.
On Ancient's first full-length release, Conquering Sound, he again teams up with
I Grade Records to create one of the most innovative albums by a conscious chanter in this current
time. Like most of the messages in the VI's roots reggae movement, Ancient Kingís songs are
firmly rooted in the tradition of Rastafari rebel music. The musical soundscapes provided by the I
Grade production team consist of the thunderous bass lines, rock solid drums and rootsy guitars
and keys for which I Grade is well known. Conquering Sound features guest appearances by
Prince Pankhi, Empress Michel and Vaughn Benjamin of Midnite. Conquering Sound was released
in April 2005.
Bringing forth words of truth with a tongue of fyah, Ancient King blazes his own trail
unlike any other chanter in modern reggae music. His powerful and unique delivery combines with
intensely relevant lyrics that stand firm on principles of truth and right. One listen to Ancient
King's songs and it is clear that he takes very seriously and honorably the opportunity to share
his word sound with the nations.
For product information, booking information, or for interview or dubplate requests,
contact info@igraderecords or 646 226 1738. Sound samples can be found online at www.igraderecords.com. |
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Photos
Click on thumbnails for full-size photos
Ancient King at
WRIP 2006 |
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Album Reviews |
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Reggae
Vibes:
Ancient King - real name Wendell Francois - hails from St. Croix in
the Virgin Islands. In 2002, he was featured on I Grade Records' solid compilation set
"Weep Not" (then recording under the name, Willow) with three tunes --
"Manage", "Calculate The Levels" and "Ancient Of Days".
Since that time, Ancient King has sharpened his craft through recording and stage show
work in the Newport News, VA area with the King Lion Crew. Now here's Ancient King's first
full-length release, "Conquering Sound", actually the first album released as
part of I Grade Records' New Release Trilogy called 'Fyah, Earth, Wind'. - More
Reggae Reviews:
Ancient King's debut album Conquering Sound doesn't play in your
stereo so much as it explodes. The gruff-voiced St. Croix DJ (a bit of a
departure for the singer-heavy I Grade label) has a rough 'n tumble delivery made all the
more intimidating by the mega-bass-driven musical backing. If Prince Far I had a
"voice of thunder," then Ancient King has a "sound of thunder" -- or,
as this album so aptly puts it, a "conquering sound." His vocals erupt
with a passion and a gravelly texture not unlike the now missing-in-action Lion had when
he emerged in the late '90s. - More
Achi's Reggae Blog:
For me
personally, within the Fyah -Earth- Wind releases from
I-Grade, initially and maybe still I was most impressed
with Ancient King (since then, my tastes have DEFINITELY
shifted towards NiyoRah) as his style was something
which was more familiar. At that time, still new
listening to Virgin Islands Reggae, I hadn’t really
found an artist who sounded like the Jamaican artists
with the exception of Pressure (who I may have actually
‘discovered’ after Ancient King.
-
More
If you are aware
of any additional reviews of this artist, please .
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