Lalo Lion | Make Art Not War

Ska Reggae Dancehall en Español from Los Angeles, CA.

50th Birthday DEMO Release

Lalo Lion, sus mañanitas

Celebrating Lalo's 50th birthday in style, Make Noise Not War Records is thrilled to unveil the exclusive Lalo Lion Demo, a special release featuring five captivating tracks that have never before seen the light of day. Featuring a song by Shabba Ranks, one of the most popular Jamaican musicians in the world.

The origins of this record label trace back to Boyle Heights, where its inception occurred during a time when Lalo and the president of the organization, Sergio Bonacci Lapalma, known as Chapete, shared a living space amidst the challenges of the pandemic era. This independent label's core mission was to provide a platform for indie artists and, more significantly, to perpetuate Lalo's remarkable musical legacy, carrying his mesmerizing compositions to a global stage.

In a gesture of profound appreciation for his artistic contributions, the 501c3 Non-Profit Organization, Make Art Not War, which oversees the label, is bestowing upon Lalo Lion an esteemed accolade. The release is officially recognized as a "Cultural Interest" by the Make Art Not War (USA) in the year 2023. This distinction stands as a tribute to Lalo's resounding impact as a talented artist and cultural ambassador within the Chicano rasta community. His unwavering support for independent artists across the globe, coupled with his infectious joy and boundless love, has earned him this well-deserved honor.

On this special day, we extend our warmest wishes to Lalo, as this previously unreleased demo not only marks a milestone but also serves as a resounding affirmation of his outstanding contributions. May this celebration be the catalyst for an even more extraordinary musical journey. Happy Birthday, Lalo Lion! Your legacy shines brighter than ever before.

Mi historia

Edwardo Marmolejo (born on August 18, 1973) is a Chicano musician and entrepreneur hailing from Hollywood, CA. His musical journey commenced during his teenage years as a punk rocker, gracing stages across the city.

In the early 1990s, following his ventures to London and Jamaica, where he established a deep connection with the Rastafarian community, his musical style began to evolve towards reggae. This transformation resulted in a distinctive freestyle fusion with Spanish Patwa English.

Under the stage moniker "Lalo Lion," he commenced performing live in Los Angeles, CA, and became a frequent guest at Quingo Sol's shows. Quingo Sol, pioneers of the Chicano Reggae genre in Los Angeles, CA, often shared the stage with acclaimed musicians like Alika, Yami Bolo, and Shinehead, all of whom recognized and appreciated his remarkable performances.

In 2013, Edwardo formed his band, Mas Fuego, through which he composed and penned original music. This venture swiftly gained recognition within the underground reggae community, resulting in sold-out venues and memorable performances at renowned locations like the House of Blues in Hollywood, CA.

Influenced by artists like Steel Pulse, Toots & the Maytals, The Toasters, Judge Dread, The Partisans, and Dogma Mundista, Edwardo's musical trajectory embodies a rich and diverse range of inspirations.