Roots singer Warrior King says his recent tour of Asia met all expectations, as he broadened his base in Japan and won new fans in virgin markets of Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, and The Philippines.

The veteran artiste told the Jamaica Observer that response to his performances at the outdoor and club dates was “extremely positive”.

Starting June 29 at The Astbury in Manila, capital of The Philippines, he did 14 shows.

The artiste said his two shows in Thailand were eye-opening.

“I had the opportunity to collaborate with a popular reggae group in Thailand by the name of Srirajah Rockers. Something of importance I’d like to share after performing in these places: The Japanese people are the ones who are promoting reggae music in these parts of Asia,” said Warrior King. “I must say it’s growing wonderfully, and I’m confident that I’ll be returning there soon.”

The artiste also did eight shows in Japan, the biggest arena for reggae in Asia for over 40 years. That leg completed the tour on July 21 in the city of Yagamata.

Two shows were done in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, a flash point of the Vietnam War which raged from 1955 to 1975.

Warrior King said visiting the War Remnants Museum there was impactful.

“I gathered so much information about the atrocities that took place there. It was so heart-rendering that I got emotional to a point,” he said.

Best known for songs like Virtuous Woman and Never Go Where Pagans Go, Warrior King is scheduled to perform Saturday in Newark, New Jersey, at Style & Culture with Louie Culture, Michael Palmer and Sammy Dread.

— Howard Campbell