AT first glance reggae artiste Dax Lion could easily be mistaken for Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley. But that is as far as the comparison goes. He has his own distinct sound and style.

“Yea Man, I heard I look like him. But a just Jah works that. From I was going high school and even before I started growing locks I heard that,” he said.

“I am good friends with the Marley family as well. They are all great teachers and I’ve learnt a lot from them,” he continued.

The 24-year-old Rastafarian’s mellow style expresses the social concerns in a solid bass-driven reggae groove.

Dax Lion’s musical journey continues with his track, Lyrics. The track was produced by New York’s Roots Life Productions and an accompanying video was shot in Kingston for release next week.

Dax Lion, who said he also plays several instruments and also produces, is currently working on a mixtape for a release in Febuary.

Lyrics conveys his dismay at the current state and quality of lyrics in dancehall and reggae music. He hits out against the negative messages heard in the media, specifically music. He expresses disgust at artistes and producers who get the opportunity to make a positive contribution to society through music but choose negativity.

“A nuff a dem a sell out our culture. A nuff a dem a sell out Jamaica. I’m here to fix the damage musically. I’m here to defend reggae music and Jamaica on a whole and our integrity,” Dax Lion told the Jamaica Observer.

Dax Lion, whose given name is Dax Ian Vernon, hails from Maryland in St Andrew and a past student of Ardenne High.

He said his love for music goes way back and lists artistes Bob Marley and the Marley family, Peter Tosh, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder.

“I started writing very young at 13. My talents were discovered by Kimani Robinson, former owner of RETV (Reggae Entertainment Television), who said I show signs of stardom and introduced me to some well-known producers,” he said.

“I had to pay my dues though and go the route of so many talented Jamaican youths: Sitting outside studios in Kingston while waiting my turn.”

“My aim is to spread my message which inevitably is the message of Rastafari. I want to break all barriers, cross all borders with this music. I want to free my soul with music and satisfy it,” he said.

Other releases include: The Prayer, Breaker Breaker, Gwan Natty, Mr Poverty, Final Confrontation, Last Child and Reggae Jam Jam.