Like most peoples in West Africa, Takana Zion was raised to appreciate the indigenous culture of Guinea, his homeland. But the aspiring singer was also drawn to reggae from faraway Jamaica, the sound for which he became known.

‘In The Ghetto’, his latest song, is produced by Maka Lox, a Jamaican based in France where 40 year-old Takana Lion has a solid fan base. The roots-reggae track is one of nine songs on the ‘Congo General’ riddim, which he recorded for Maka Lox’s Ora Ora Ngaru label.

It is the follow-up to ‘Dance With You’, a techno-flavoured track released last year. The objective of that song, also produced by Maka Lox, was to broaden his audience.

“‘Dance with You’ is not similar to the previous songs. It’s a different thing, as an artiste I try to do different kinds of music, ‘In The Ghetto’ is on a real reggae One Drop riddim,” he said.

Takana Zion and Maka Lox first met 19 years ago through French reggae legend Pierpoljak. Since then, they have recorded a number of songs including ‘Sensimillia’ and ‘Court Case Pending’.

While he grew up on the songs of homegrown heroes like Bembeya Jazz National and Keletigui Diabate, Takana Zion’s creative mentors were Tiken Jah Fakoly and Manjul, two influential figures in African reggae. Both are from Cote d’Ivoire.

His personal playlist grew in his teens to include Bob Marley, Joseph Hill of Culture, Sizzla, Buju Banton and Capleton. He also listened to American Rhythm And Blues greats such as Lou Rawls, Marvin Gaye and Barry White.

Takana Zion credits his Jamaican colleague for his improvement as a singer/songwriter.

“I have known Maka Lox since 2006, after this everything changed for me,” he said.

Born in Trench Town, Maka Lox made his name as a session musician in Jamaica. Jah Mason’s ‘Princess Black’ and ‘Marijuana’ by Richie Spice are among the songs he played on.

His latest production is the ‘Congo General’ which also has songs by Little Robert, Ricky Sai Sai and Adwoa. It is scheduled for release in September.

(Photo contributed)