Previously when Teflon Young King performed in Europe, he accompanied Sizzla. But this summer when the roots artiste heads to that continent, he will be the center of attention.
Teflon Young King, whose EP Light Through The Darkness was released in March, is scheduled to play several dates in Europe after shows in Guyana, Belize and New York. Those followed gigs in Florida and California, the most noted of them being Cali Vibes Fest in Long Beach.
His opening show in Europe takes place in Lewisham, South London on June 30. Teflon Young King has other dates in the United Kingdom, as well as Duisburg, Detmold and Hamburg, Germany.
“The shows in California were excellent and great to meet my growing fan base. It’s just a great time in life to be alive so I can deliver in the UK for the fans who (have) been waiting for the appearance and to just spread my wings worldwide,” he said.
In addition to Light Through The Darkness, Teflon Young King is promoting songs from three albums — Years of Pain (Solid to The End, Brimstone), Tears of Joy (Kungo) and Underrated (Style) — which came out in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
While not as heralded as most of the artistes in the touted roots-reggae revival, Teflon Young King has been pounding the music pavement before most of his contemporaries entered a recording booth. From the parish of St. Mary in eastern Jamaica, he participated in a number of talent contests in his teens.
Europe has been the happy hunting ground for roots-reggae acts for 50 years. Its summer festival circuit has paved the way for many of them including Burning Spear, Culture, The Mighty Diamonds and Israel Vibration.
For Teflon Young King, anywhere he hits the stage is important.
“It’s always essential to do well whenever I am performing. Europe is just the right place to bring the energy that I am presenting and it is well accepted in that side of the world,” he said. “Festivals are a part of the mainstream/main stage, so it’s a joy playing on the main stage for diversity.”
By Howard Campbell
