"Music’s always been my school and my teacher, it’s everything to me. Simple as that.All the reggae I’ve been listening to through all these years really raised me and helped me build myself musically, as I always wanted to listen carefully andabsorb that type of vibe. And, by doing so, I managed to keep Jamaican culture in tune with my African roots as well”

 

 

Lion D (real name David Andrew Ferri) is a reggae and dancehall artist of Italian–Nigerian heritage, born in London in 1982 to an Italian mother and a Nigerian father. A year later, he relocated to Italy with his mother, where he grew up and developed his artistic identity.
Drawn to reggae music in his late teens, he found in Rastafarian culture, Jamaican rhythms, and conscious lyricism a powerful channel through which to reconnect with his African roots and explore his personal and cultural identity.

Lion D officially launched his career in 2009 with the release of his debut album The Burnin Melody. This was followed by Reap What You Sow (2011), Bring Back The Vibes (2013), Heartical Soul (2015), Mandala (2017) — released under the alias David Lion — and All In This Together (2022). In addition to these six albums and an extensive catalogue of singles, he has also released three EPs: Real Somth’n (2012), Wild Fire (2012)* featuring Ras Tewelde, and Born In Captivity (2019), all produced in collaboration with the renowned Italian label Bizzarri Records.

His musical style blends sing-jay, new roots, dancehall, and conscious reggae influences. His lyrics — often written in Jamaican patois — address themes such as social injustice, spirituality, and the individual’s existential search for meaning in contemporary society, consistently reflecting his artistic integrity and deep devotion to music.

Throughout his career, Lion D has collaborated with numerous artists of both national and international standing and has performed extensively with his band as well as in DJ sets across Italy, Europe, and the United States, establishing himself as a significant figure
in the global reggae scene.