Radio Character Norman “Humble Lion” Lawrence Delivers a Message in His Music

by Howard Campbell

SOUTH FLORIDA – Most Disc Jockeys go for a distinct segment to be able to set up themselves within the aggressive world of radio. For 35 years, Norman “Humble Lion” Lawrence’s mantra has been to maintain issues clear.

Since 2000, he has been a fixture on WAVS 1170 AM the place he hosts a day present thrice per week. On WZOP 92.7 FM, he hosts the Noon Meditation present Mondays to Fridays.

Humble Lion made his radio debut in New York in 1988, one 12 months after migrating to South Florida from Manchester parish in central Jamaica. He credit consistency for protecting him on the air for over three a long time.

“My applications haven’t essentially modified all through the years. I began in 1988 with the theme ‘uplifting humanity by way of optimistic communication’ and likewise ‘the message within the music present’ the place I play all common genres of music because it pertains to the Caribbean,” he stated. “From the beginning in 1988, I’m additionally recognized for the phrase, ‘You might be welcome! Irrespective of your colour, class or creed, your faith, denomination and even your political affiliation’. In order that’s my mission from the beginning and that’s nonetheless the mission and objective why I do what I do.”

On WAVS, his present is music-dominated. Whether or not he performs Bob Marley, Dennis Brown or probably the most hardcore dancehall artist, the coverage is to provide listeners optimistic music.

With Noon Meditation, it’s a related method though Humble Lion additionally shares wholesome servings of different strategies to battle hypertension,  diabetes and weight problems.

“My common listener is and has at all times been people who want to boost their consciousness and consciousness whereas having enjoyable. I diplomatically accomplish this by on the lookout for and enjoying probably the most aware or cleanest music from the typical artist, even when that artist is understood for slackness or gun discuss, I intentionally play these artists cleanest songs combined with the music from probably the most aware artists,” he defined. “However a phrase of warning right here is that there are some artists which are recognized for aware music, however of their catalogue they could have a number of hit songs describing their weapons, or disrespecting ladies. I can’t play these songs. For me, it’s all in regards to the message within the music with out casting judgement on any particular person. And sure my fan base has grown tremendously. The response is overwhelming.”

A musical profession at all times appeared on the playing cards for Humble Lion. His oldest brother Michael was a musician within the Mystic Era band that backed artists like Garnet Silk and Everton Blender; one other older brother, Charles, operated the Taurus Worldwide sound system.

His first radio gig was on WNWK 105.9 FM in New York Metropolis. That was adopted by a stint at WPEB 88.1 FM in Philadelphia after which he settled in South Florida.

As he continues to roam the radio panorama,  Humble Lion has no regrets about turning into a Disc Jockey.

“I by no means deliberate to get into broadcasting, and I’m the type of individual that doesn’t essentially just like the limelight. I obtained into broadcasting as a result of I noticed how powerfully influential the media is, and at the moment again in 1988, I noticed an excessive amount of of what I thought-about to be a unfavorable development,” he stated. “So I felt convicted, virtually as if I obtained a calling to be the change I want to see on the earth. I pursued it, requested the universe to bless the mission, and I by no means appeared again.”