single artist

John Orpheus

“[John Orpheus’] Saga King is clearly a victory lap for an accomplished musician and writer. The album jumps right into your eardrums from its first notes to its final frets.” Canadian Beats

Born and raised in South-Central Trinidad, John Orpheus is a multi-cultural artist and published author. In 2021, he had his memoir SAGA BOY published by Penguin Random House in Canada and Milkweed Editions in the US. With the book launched, John decided to return to music and release a companion album entitled SAGA KING. Both the book and the album are based on the same themes: searching for home, family, love and a fly coat to wear when you get there! His recently released single FELA AWOKE (I WILL MISS YOU) is the beginning of this new phase and introduces you to his deeply personal story.

John Orpheus’ musical journey has taken him from the Caribbean bush to festivals across Canada and the US to opening for Liam Gallagher on a tour of the UK. His music combines hip-hop swagger, Afrobeat energy and dancehall charisma to create a sound built on “big catchy hooks.” John is known for his rabble-rousing live shows filled with audience participation, chanting and impromptu dance-offs that feel more like Caribana road parties than concerts. In September 2019, he released his album WEY YA CALL DAT TING, the culmination of a three year, four mixtape project that he used to develop and hone his unique sound. Produced and co-written by Mike Schlosser, the album and the standalone single ELECTRIC released in 2020 fulfilled his early promise with a noticeably more pop and upbeat vibe. “My attitude is that, if I don’t see it, I create it!”