BIOGRAPHY

With his lively 2022 hit “Again,” followed by the 2023 release of his album Banjo Kafaan (Soulbeats Music), Takana Zion has lived up to his epithet of “Guinean prophet of international reggae,”  with a trail of successes and dedicated followers. Proud of his heritage, he has been steeped in the struggles and fame of his African and Jamaican brothers for all of his 37 years. His excellent Rappel à l’Ordre (2009) is like an echo to Peter Tosh’s legacy. Earning the title of “Best African Artist of the Year” at the Victoires du Reggae awards in 2021, he has been roaring with the majesty of the king of the African savannah for fifteen years: this multilingual artist brims with passion and freedom. A citizen of the world, he sings in English and French, and draws from African languages to resonate in tune with their original essence. His ideal lies far from the chaos of urban life, which explains why he took on the name which, in the Susu language, means “destroy the city.” 

Charismatic, caring of others, with hand on heart, Takana has earned the loyalty of his amazing reggae comrades: Manjul, Tiken Jah Fakoly and the late Bunny Wailers, to name but a few. The year 2021 marked a meteoric rise with Human Supremacy. France is crazy about him, as is his broader fan base, won over by his humble yet powerful art. He has a recognizable innate strength, the human energy embodied in reggae. The Jamaican stamp is on this roots album straight out of Kingston, which features the Jamaican musician Sizzla. A star in his hometown of Conakry, the capital of Guinea, where the Takana gave one of his biggest performances on October 2, 2022, to mark the anniversary Guinean independence, which was achieved in 1958.

Much like a chameleon, the versatile Takana Zion can change his colours to adapt to the contours of universal rhythms. A touch of salsa, a wisp of dancehall, a breath of R&B, he embraces it all to then release a renewed musical air with a devout wish for peace and harmony on earth. True Rastafarianism!