DAMAN /

Daman, a prolific Parisian vocalist, has been active in the reggae/dub scene for over a decade. He is the founder of the bands Sparky Riot and KillaSoundYard. With dozens of vinyl and digital releases under his belt, the singer has collaborated with Indy Boca, Zion Train, Sak Dub-I, and many others. His productions have been played by some of the biggest English sound systems, including Channel One, Jah Shaka, and Jah Tubby’s.

At the age of 34, Daman distinguishes himself from his peers both in substance and style. Vocally, he forges his own path without following dominant trends. Inspired by the immense talent of Martin Campbell, Daman has found his own unique tone—a high, nasal, and sensitive voice. Naturally captivating, his voice resonates deeply on dub stepper rhythms as well as on downtempo or more classic productions.

Daman’s debut solo album, “Life,” was released on April 1, 2022, and it’s no joke—as evidenced by the name of the studio where it was recorded: No Joke! In this album, Daman delivers a more personal work consisting of ten tracks that showcase a variety of reggae styles: modern roots, rub-a-dub, stepper, and rockers.

Backed by the versatile group Roots Heritage, which masters all the genres within the reggae spectrum, with their striking rhythms, virtuoso brass section, and well-balanced overdubs. Together, they create a diverse and cohesive musical palette around modern reggae full of groove, as catchy and danceable in form as it is serious and at times profound in substance.

Delayed by a few months due to the health crisis, this album is also a reflection of its time, and Daman becomes its standard-bearer with his sharp lyrics addressing courageous and sometimes unprecedented subjects in reggae: atheism, feminism on “Nobody,” emancipation on “Principles,” and a libertarian society he longs for. Countering some clichéd themes of the genre, the singer also shares certain concerns such as the rejection of police violence (on “Blood”), the defense of precarious workers (on “Position”), and denouncing the world of work (on “Time”) and politics (on “Confusion”).

After three previously released singles, including the superb “Hurt” featuring the legendary Max Romeo, seven other tracks complete an album that is musically modern and innovative in its message.

Surrounded by six experienced musicians and accompanied by Kevin Courriol and singer Jacko, Daman has turned his first album into a beautiful collective adventure. And he invites all of us to join the journey of a life that goes against the established order—his own!