2020 is proving to be a very sad and unforgettable year in more ways than one, as the news of the passing of Trinidadian Dancehall Artiste ‘K-Lion’ rocked the local music fraternity on Wednesday night.

It was reported that K-Lion, whose real name is Kwinton Thomas, passed away on Wednesday 10^th June, 2020 as the result of a medical emergency that occurred during his stay in Miami, Florida. Reports stated, that the ‘Malandros’ singer collapsed after experiencing a seizure while he was playing football and died from a heart attack moments after. It is still unclear if a pre-existing condition triggered the seizure.

The Belmont native, recognized as one of the most promising Trinidad Dancehall artistes burst onto the music scene in 2018 with his unique vocals and lyrical prowess that made him a crowd favorite. His impressive catalogue of hits include ‘Malandros’, ‘My Team’, ‘Safe’, ‘Private Zess’, ‘Rise Up’, ‘One Link’, ‘Step Pon Dem’ and more are available on streaming platforms.

As the news of his death broke, the outpouring on social media have been heart breaking as many shared their condolences:

Trinidad Gospel Artiste, Jaron Nurse wrote: This is sad and Unbelievable. However I won’t hesitate to say that last night Trinidad and Tobago lost a very talented Dancehall Artiste always admired his Vocal, Melodic and Lyrical ability…I’d often run across videos on my timeline with him singing and he sings with everything his body literally shakes with emotions when he grabs a mic…We lost a talented one…In this episode of 2020 it reminds me that we never know when would be our last lap/last moment so I encourage us again Get JESUS before it’s too late….R.I.P #VocalMusicalSpecialist #KLion

 Trinidad Dancehall Artiste, Prince Swanny wrote: The song has ended but the melody lingers on‼️? FLY HIGH YOUNG LEGEND???? R.I.P @klionmusic ?

Trinidad Soca Artiste Lyrikal wrote: Damm! A Real talented brother! RIP #Klion, Thanks for your great contribution! #YourMusicWillLiveOn #BIL @klionmusic ???

 Trinidad Soca Artiste Voice wrote: Jah know? Undoubtedly one of the most talented artist both lyrically and vocally to come out of Trinidad! May your soul Rest in Peace my brother! Fly high young King!??? @klionmusic

Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly wrote: On the sad passing of K. Lion… The dancehall of my youth came from Jamaica- I’m an ’80s child so that was Shabba, Buju et al… Today I see fierce nationalism as my teens, and maybe yours, are engrossed in local dancehall- not getting into the issue of the messages, because I’m not sure the ones we imbibed in the 80’s were any different… But the totally local “Zesser” movement is big, bigger than some realise, and by the shockwaves and consternation this death has caused among the youth, hugely influential. I mourn with T&T today the loss of a young national of immense talent and potential.

We at Caribbean Entertainment Hub will like to extend our condolences and prayers to the family and friends on the untimely passing of Kwinton ‘K-Lion’ Thomas whose talent and spirit has touched the lives of many and will continue to live on.

 

Related Articles:

Trinidad Dancehall And The Zesser Movement

‘Zesser’ a term that was initially coined and heavily associated with the Trinidad Dancehall community has now evolved into a movement. Today this movement, which was birthed within the streets of Trinidad’s ghettos is now making its way to some of the main stages, not just locally but internationally as well.

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Sources includes: https://newsday.co.tt/, https://urbanislandz.com/

Hashtags: #Klion #KlionMusic #Malandrossinger #Trinibad #TheZessermovement #TrinidadDancehall #Dancehallmusic #TrinidadandTobago