Season 3 of the Harry J Live – Couch Series brings more good vibes, more style, and more great music. This is Harry J Live – Couch Series episode 5, with Hector Lewis aka The Roots Percussionist.
About Hector Lewis
Hector “Roots Percussionist” Lewis is a Percussionist, Drummer, Vocalist and Music Director from the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica. Currently, Roots Percussionist is the background vocalist and percussionist for arguably the world’s biggest Reggae band, Chronixx and Zincfence Redemption. As a two-time Grammy Nominated musician, he is endorsed by Regal Drumsticks from the United States as well as Tycoon Percussion in Thailand.
Roots Percussionist’s love for music began in his days at church in his hometown of Spanish Town, Jamaica. His incredibly talented mother, the legendary Barbara Jones, has had a major influence on his approach to music and the creative arts to present date. His innate passion led him to study at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, earning himself a degree in Music Education and Performance.
It was there that he met the late percussionist, Denver “Feluke” Smith, who graciously mentored Lewis in the art of percussion, which in turn set the path for the illustrious music career today for Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts graduate.
Hector’s stage name “Roots Percussionist” is inspired by the organically produced sound deeply-rooted within all types of Indigenous music, which he honours in all performance forms. At the very nucleus of his unique sound is Rastafarianism culture – the connection between past and present and the celebration of the human spiritual experience. Roots Percussionist believes in music’s ability to heal, connect and create a transcendental experience.
Roots Percussionist’s musical capabilities spans several genres – including Latin, Reggae, African, Punk, Rock, Pop, Bouyon, Calypso and of course Dancehall. He has an ability to fuse the genres based on his production genius and is always looking for ways to create a new vibe. He is also accomplished in several instruments, including; Bungos, differently pitched Congas, Tangerines, Cow Bells, Shakers, Bells, Chimes, Timpani and Xylophone.
Since 2016, Roots Percussionist has headlined tours around the world alongside the critically-acclaimed Chronixx & Zincfence Redemption, performing in Africa, Asia, Australia Europe, North America and South America. During that time, the award-winning band also appeared at numerous major festivals across the globe, most outstandingly the Coachella Festival in the USA and Glastonbury Festival in the UK. Roots Percussionist has also worked on percussion and background vocals on live and recorded productions for several popular artists such as Jesse Royal, Keznamdi, Lila Ike, Mortimer, Beres Hammond, the Marley family and Popcaan – making him a beloved, well-respected musician within the global reggae community. Fans will remember his stellar performances at the Essence Festival 2020, NPR Tiny Desk Series, BBC 1Xtra Series, as well as his hosting duties for the annual Roots Reggae Day virtual celebrations in commemoration of International Reggae Day.
Roots Percussionist released his first single “Outlaw” in 2019, produced by Dretegs and featuring US-based artistes QNA and Royal Khaoz. His follow-up single, “LOVE SAVIOUR”, was released in May 2020 and his next single, “Did It Again” is scheduled for release at the end of 2020.
