Lamin Touray, aka Masta Lion, is unquestionably one of Gambia’s most talented DJs in Europe. Born and brought up in Brikama, his interest for the turntable started at a very young age. 

“Things were hard and I had no idea what to do, so I decided to try deejaying. I bought my own equipment and was playing at street parties and fashion shows in Brikama and the surrounding villages. I was also following the Jah Lion Sound and they contributed in making me a better DJ,” said Masta Lion. 

In 2003, he moved to Finland to search for better opportunities.  Having got his start as a DJ, playing in The Gambia, Masta Lion’s big break came when he was invited by Finland’s Pouta Sound to join them during some of their events. 

He told What’s On-Gambia: “I was in a town called Lappeenranta and that was where someone told me about Pouta Sound.  I was having some CDs that I brought along from The Gambia, so I went to them to ask for the opportunity to play. They were very welcoming and I became part of the family.” 

Since then it has been full speed ahead.  The Gambian DJ became very close to Pouta Sound and in 2008, he invited them to The Gambia. They performed at places like Jokor-Brikama, Jokor-Westfield, SunSplash in Brufut and Totties. 

Masta Lion became one of the most established DJs in Finland with an immigrant background.  The first solo event he organized was in 2010, dubbed Reggae in the Park. It featured Gambian reggae singer, Abraham Colongy (Lappa Luma) and Finland’s Raappana. 

“It was a successful event and since then I have hosted lot of international artists and played at various nightclubs in Helsinki, Finland,” the Brikama-born DJ told What’s On-Gambia. 

Last February, Masta Lion was in The Gambia with Peetah Morgan from the popular reggae group, Morgan Heritage and Tenza, a Jamaican singer based in the UK. It was his first big concert in the country and luckily for him, he left the Banjul International Airport with a broad smile on his face. 

“I was so happy that Gambians came out in their numbers to see the two reggae stars on stage. Some people even started a fans club for Tenza, who is an upcoming star.” 

Masta Lion is now preparing to host a birthday bash and he’s urging all his fans and reggae lovers to come and enjoy the moment with him. 

“I have a very good line-up of artists like Tenza, Rebellion, Mandinka Warrior and Kiprich. It’s happening on the 9^th August, in Club Circus, Helsinki. It’s strictly a reggae thing!” 

The birthday bash is not his only summer event.  On the 30^th August, he is returning to Club Circus to host a major concert with two major Jamaican reggae stars, Turbulence and Warrior King. 

Apart from his musical engagement, Masta Lion is an active member of the Gambian community in Helsinki. He is also known for supporting his collegueas, in the music business, to organize events for international reggae artists. 

His organization, Masta Lion Promotion is now registered in Finland. A happy Masta Lion ended the interview by saying: “More things coming, Gambia and Finland get ready! I want to wish all my fans a happy month of Ramadan. Jah bless!”