Jesse Royal

Jesse David Leroi Grey, aka Jesse Royal, was born 29 April 1989 in St James Parish, Jamaica to a family of Maroon ancestry and Rastafari faith. The Royal family relocated to Kingston in 1997, where Jesse became friends with Daniel Bambata Marley, son of reggae artist Ziggy Marley.

When only a cub, the Lord revealed to his mother that she would have to release one of her sons to the world, proclaiming “he will be a psalmist, declaring righteousness and justice throughout creation.”

As Jesse matured into a young lion, his mother observed in him a strong sense of integrity and a natural ability to positively affect those around him. Even more than this, it was his deep spirituality, passion for life and unique connection to music that would convince her that he was being moulded to be used by the Creator.

His friendship with Daniel proved to be fuel to the fire as they shared a deep passion for music and football. Their friendship evolved as they spent a great part of their childhood together. Soon the natural inclination confirmed they were simply brothers with different mothers.

As they got older, their passion for music got stronger.

With the help of longtime friend Curt ‘Qban’ White, they began composing and creating their own music. And together they proceeded to fulfil what they knew was a predestined musical journey, designed to inspire, engage and unite people beyond all geographic borders. After Jesse Royal returned home from schooling abroad, he reestablished a relationship with high-school friend and young producer Kareem ‘Remus’ Burrell (son of Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell).

They began creating and composing music together also, which developed into a Movement as they shared similar views on the social state of Jamaica. Blessed with a voice that captures the pain and hunger of a ‘downtrodden’ people; Royal’s militant character and profound lyricism caught the heart of heralded reggae producer, Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell. Fatis Burrell, affectionately called ‘Father’ had a great and pure impact on the ‘old soul’ of Jesse Royal.

He credits him as an invaluable inspiration and one of the most influential individuals that he has ever encountered. Following the release of his debut mixtape dubbed ‘Misheni’, which means ‘The Mission’ in Swahili, Jesse continues to work relentlessly in the studio. Working with musicians such as Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Donald Dennis, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith and Monty Savory, the hits will just keep on coming.