Teacha Dee
Introduction '''Damion Darrel Warren''' (born 21 September 1980), best known as '''Teacha Dee''', is a Jamaican reggae singer and former educator. He is best known for his hit singles "Smoke and Fly", "Reggae Souljahs" and "Smuggling Weed". He was a full-time employee for the Ministry of Education Youth and Culture in Jamaica when he recorded all three songs. His stage name was derived from the Jamaican creole for "teacher" and a shortening of his childhood nickname "Demus".
Early life and education Warren was born on 21 September 1980 in Westmoreland, Jamaica. He grew up in a little district called Bath where he attended the Unity Primary School. Being successful in his Common Entrance Exams, he was rewarded a place at the prestigious Manning's School from which he graduated in 1997 before relocating to Montego Bay to live with his mother. Warren then attended the Sam Sharpe Teachers College, where he attained a Diploma in Education at the  secondary level.
Teaching career In September 2000, Warren was employed by the Ministry of Education Youth and Culture to teach Mathematics, Integrated Science and Information Communication Technology. He worked at the Glendevon Primary and Junior High School located in Montego Bay, up until his resignation in May 2012, to pursue entertainment.
Music career ===2005–2010: Early career in Europe and name change===In May 2005, Teacha Dee began his professional career by recording "Life Goes On" for ''The Mighty Powpow Productions'', a major reggae production label based in Germany. This song was sung in the melody of The Beatles hit "Ob La Di" and was released in 2006 as part of a compilation project titled "First Sight Riddim". However, "life goes on" was not published under the pseudonym "Teacha Dee" but as his given name, "Damian Warren''.In late 2006, Warren recorded a song titled "Them A Play" which was released on a riddim compilation called ''Gloria Riddim'', produced by Dasvibes also based in Germany. This single was the first song to be officially released under the name "Teacha Dee".Teacha Dee Ras Tafarian PictureIn 2007, he recorded "Smuggling Weed" for Powpow Movements which became his first popular song within the European scene. However, his most successful song at that time was "Smoke and Fly". This was recorded as a sound system dub on the "Kingston Town" instrumental made popular by an Italian reggae superstar Alberto Dascola aka Alborosie. This song" quickly became a sound system's favorite and a huge hit within the reggae clubs.Early 2008, Teacha Dee recorded "Blaming Game" for Master J Productions, a record label based in Montego Bay, Jamaica. "Blaming Game" was the first single that was in circulation on the radio stations in Jamaica. Prior to this, his music was gaining a lot of attention outside of Jamaica without the knowledge of many Jamaicans and the Ministry of Education. Teacha Dee recorded "Reggae Souljahs" for ''Rootdown Records'' later that same year. This song was released on a various artiste compilation called "Ilove Riddim" and it quickly became one of his popular reggae anthems in Germany. In August 2008, Teacha Dee started his own label called "Tenfloor Records" based in Montego Bay, Jamaica.===2010–2014: Becoming Rasta and touring Europe ===After some years of study, Teacha Dee accepted the Ras Tafari way of life in June 2010.This brought about a remarkable change in the messages in his music as well as his overall image. In August 2010, he began to focus on his own production company and produced his first collaboration titled "what i pray". This song features 'Determine', an artiste famous for a massive hit with Beenie Man. Teacha Dee released two various artiste compilations quickly after on his label. These were "Hot Box Riddim" and "Thirteen Riddim" both released in late 2010 and early 2011 respectively.Teacha Dee Rastafarian Picture as of April 2013In the summer of 2011, Teacha Dee embarked on his first European tour during his vacation leave from teaching. This tour gave a strong boost to his career on the international scene. The people who loved his songs, could now put a face to his music. His first tour included appearances at Yaam and Insel Clubs in Berlin, Faust in Hannover, Magnapop in Krefeld, Petit Prince and Lüxor in Köln, Rude 7 in Mannheim, Kulturfabrik in Hildeshiem, Wagen Bau in Hamburg and U-club in Wupertal. The highlight of his tour was his performance at the prestigious Reggaejam Festival in Bersenbrück, Germany.During this trip Teacha Dee recorded for several producers. "Symbiz Productions" based in Germany, "Catchy Grezzly" based in Italy and "Soul Force Music" also based in Germany. In October 2011 immediately after his first tour, Teacha Dee released his debut album entitled "Reggae Souljahs: Beating Babylon With Music". This album was released on his own independent record label.In April 2012, Teacha Dee returned to Europe for a mini tour. On this trip, he performed in Cantu Italy, Bern Switzerland and Oldenburg Germany. He also did repeated performances in Osnabruck and Mannheim. It was during this time he recorded a collaboration with 'Skarra Mucci' entitled "Summer Time" for "Weedy G SoundForce" a Swiss-based label. This was how his affiliation with Weedy G Soundforce for whom he recorded many singles began. In May 2012, Teacha Dee recorded "Sound System" for Reggaeville/Oneness Productions both based in Germany. He also worked with producers such as "Catchy Greezly" based in Italy, Jugglers Music and Deebuzz Music both based in Germany. A total of 12 singles were released that same year for various producers including his own record label.In August 2013, Teacha Dee and Utan Green collaborated on a single entitled "Reggae Show" on the " Reggae Jam Riddim" which was released at the 19th staging of the Reggae Jam festival held in Bersenbruck, Germany. Teacha Dee was a headliner for this festival.===2014–2017: German reggae charts and sophomore album===On 4 July 2014, "Party Day" recorded for Germany-based upcoming producers "Dancehallrulerz" made it to the number one spot on the official German reggae charts. This chart presented by Jugglerz radio and Riddim Magazine, was the official Reggae chart of Germany. "Party Day" held the number one spot on two separate occasions. It went down the charts for a short time before returning to number one spot a few days later. These charts numbered 30/2014 and 33/2014 were posted on 26 August and 22 September respectively.In July 2015, Teacha Dee released his first artiste mix-tape titled "Rasta Ting". It consisted of 26 tracks which were released within the European market and was presented by Europe's female sound sensation, Big Mama Sound. In that same month at the 21st staging of the Reggae Jam Festival in Bersenbruck, Teacha Dee's performance was reviewed as "one of the most reviting" by irieites.de. Their list of highlights also included David Rodigan, Anthony B, Alpheus, Ken Boothe, Winston Francis and Bitty McLean.In 2016, Teacha Dee released a total of ten singles. The most successful of these were; "Jah Jah is calling" on the Pac Man Riddim, "Concrete Grave" on the After Berlin Wall Riddim and "Rastafari Way" on the Horn of Africa Riddim. Teacha Dee's major hit of 2016 was "Rastafari Way" which spent 14 days on Beatport's top 100 reggae/dub chart peaking at 44.Another solid performer was "Concrete Grave" which was selected in the top 100 reggae hits of 2016 by Zonareggae.ro based in Romania.===2017–present: Latin American tour and movie placement deal===Teacha Dee on set with Vera Russwurm. Vienna, AustriaIn July 2017 Reggaeville identified Teacha Dee's performance on Reggaejam as a highlight of the event. Shortly after, he went to Denmark as a headliner and closing act for the ''Aarhus Reggae Festival'' held at Voxhall, Aarhus. In July 2018, Teacha Dee was a headliner at the LB27 Reggae Camp Festival held in Cegléd, Hungary. In May 2019 Teacha Dee went on his first Latin American tour, and was one of the headliners on the ''International Reggae Festival'' held in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. This was his closing performance of the ''Red Jacket Tour'', which also had appearances in Spain, Germany, France and Switzerland. In February 2021, it was announced that the title track from Teacha Dee's sophomore album '''Rastafari Way''' was selected to be featured in '''No Time to Die'''. This is the 25th film in the '''James Bond series''' produced by '''Eon Productions'''. In March 2021 Teacha Dee appeared on '''VERA''', a prestigious talk show hosted by award winning Television Presenter and Actress,''Vera Russwurm''. This programme was aired on one of the four main Austrian public television channels, ORF 2.There he spoke about Jamaica's long relationship with '''James Bond''' and the story behind the song, ''Rastafari Way''.
Discography ===Albums===+ Studio Albums TitleRelease dateLabelFormat''Reggae Souljahs: Beating Babylon With Music''31 October 2011TenFloor RecordsDigital Distribution''Rastafari Way''17 March 2017TenFloor RecordsDigital Distribution''Time Machine''21 December 2021TenFloor RecordsDigital Distribution=== Singles ===+ SinglesTitleLabelRelease yearFormat”Smoke and Fly"Fast Forward20077-inch Vinyl”Revolution"La Familia Wes20077-Inch Vinyl”If You Have it Hard"Master J Productions20077-Inch Vinyl”Reggae Soljah"Rootdown Music20087-Inch Vinyl”All Him Soldiers"Jah Beat20087-Inch Vinyl”The System"DasVibes Productions2009Digital Distribution”What I Pray" Tenfloor Records2010Digital Distribution ”Crazy Vibes" Jamaican Connexion 2010Digital Distribution ”Smoke and Fly"- (Remake)Tenfloor Records2010Digital Distribution”Ganja We Love"Lieders of the New School2011Digital Distribution”Exclusive Song"Tenfloor Records2012Digital Distribution ”Gal Segment"Tenfloor Records2012Digital Distribution”Long Day"Tenfloor Records/Weedy G SoundForce2013Digital Distribution”Rastafari Rise"House of Riddim2014Digital Distribution”Iron A Wail"Irie Ites Music20147-Inch Vinyl”Meck It Rock"La Familia Wes2015Digital Distribution”Rebels Coming"Jamrockvybz Records/VPAL Music2017Digital Distribution”Forward Black Man"Giddimani Records2017Digital Distribution”Pushing You"House Of Riddim2018Digital Distribution”Spiritual Ride"House Of Riddim2018Digital Distribution”My Vibes"Ragatac2018Digital Distribution”Jah Say"Evidence Music2019Digital Distribution=== Various artists compilations ===+ Various Artists CompilationsArtistTitleSong/sRelease dateLabelVarious Artists''Gloria Riddim''”Them a Play"2006DasvibesVarious Artists''First Sight Riddim''"Life Goes On" 2006Pow Pow ProductionsVarious Artists''Wes Roc Riddim''”Revolution" 2007La Familia WesVarious Artists''Wild West Riddim''”If yuh have it hard"2007Master J. ProductionsVarious Artists''Ovastand Riddim''”Smuggling Weed"2007Pow Pow ProductionsVarious Artists''Ice Ice Riddim vol. II''”Leading Cause of Death" 2007Reggae Town RecordsVarious Artists''True Life Riddim''”Blaming Game" 2008Master J ProductionsVarious Artists''ilove Riddin Pt.2''”Reggae Soljahs" 2008Rootdown RecordsVarious Artists''TNT Riddim''”The System" 2009DasvibesVarious Artists''Hotbox Riddim''”Within My Soul" 2010Tenfloor RecordsVarious Artists''Thirteen Riddim''”Everywhere", ”Mr. Thirteen" 2010Tenfloor RecordsVarious Artists''Napoli Riddim''”Jah Guide and Keep You"2012Vaporetto SoundVarious Artists''Dark Fader Riddim (German Edition)''”Rasta Ting"2012Boomrush ProductionsVarious Artists''Dark Fader (Acoustic Edition)''”Rasta Ting (Acoustic)”2012Boomrush ProductionsVarious Artists''Reggaeville Riddim''”Sound System"2012Oneness RecordsVarious Artists''Sweet Sour Riddim''”I Will Try Again"2012Greezzly ProductionsVarious Artists''Roadster Riddim''”Welcome to the Summer"(with Skarra Mucci)2012Weedy G Soundforce Various Artists''Zero Degreez Riddim''”Gal Dem Wha We"2012Tenfloor RecordsVarious Artists''Naughty Wifey Riddim''”Freedom"2012Dee Buzz SoundVarious Artists''Kickdown Riddim''”Spliff and Beer"2012Jugglerz RecordsVarious Artists''Jump Up Riddim''”Just Weed"2012Weedy G SoundforceVarious Artists''Event Riddim''”So Me Like It"2013Weedy g SoundforceVarious Artists''Love Is Universal Riddim''”High Hopes"2013Soulove RecordsVarious Artists''Come Down Again Riddim''”Can’t Kill Easy"2013Weedy G SoundforceVarious Artists''OneFourFive''”All Alone"(with Symbiz)2013Rootdown RecordsVarious Artists''Arise and Shine Riddim''”Lady in Black"2013Weedy G SoundforceVarious Artists''The War Riddim EP''”The Blessings"2013Weedy G SoundforceVarious Artists''Blazing Faya Riddim''”Change Within"2013GMC Music ProductionsVarious Artists''OneFourFive''”All Alone"-(Feat. Symbiz)2013Rootdown RecordsVarious Artists''The Nairobi Riddim''”War Big Business"2013MKZWO-RECORDSVarious Artists''Big Vibez Riddim''”Blaze A Fire"2013Weedy G Soundforce/VPAL MusicVarious Artists''Reggae Jam Riddim''”Reggae Show"-(feat. Utan Green)2013House of Riddim ProductionsVarious Artists''Casiotone Riddim''”One Champion"2013Weedy G SoundforceVarious Artists''Sleng Teng 2014''”Mash Up The Club"2014Weedy G SoundforceVarious Artists''New Boxing Riddim''”Help"2014Soulove RecordsVarious Artists''Swing Heavy Riddim''”Forward Inna Di Dance"-(Feat. Skarra Mucci)2014Itation Records/Bizzarri RecordsVarious Artists''Rise''”We Nuh Fraid"-(Feat. Perfect Giddimani)2014Weedy G Soundfore/VPAL MusicVarious Artists''Boat Riddim''”Haters Gwey"2014Francesco Salteri (Greezzly Productions)Various Artists''Sunscreen Riddim Selection''”Party Day"2014DancehallRulerzVarious Artists''Onion Jerk Riddim''”Shell it down"2014Bikini ApeVarious Artists''Squeeze Riddim''”Evil Ones"2015Weedy G Soundforce/VPAL MusicVarious Artists''Joyful Soul Riddim''”Dwello"2015Francesco Salteri (Greezzly Productions)Various Artists''Better Run Riddim''”Medication"-(Feat. Skarra Mucci, Don Tippa)2015Dub IncVarious Artists''Believe Riddim – EP''”See Saw"2015Sazzah Studio RecordsVarious Artists''Aquarious Riddim''”Easy To Love"2015Francesco Salteri (Greezzly Productions)Various Artists''Surfer’s Big Wave Motivation Soundtrack''”See Saw"2016Peace TunesVarious Artists''Pac Man Riddim''”Jah Jah Is Calling"2016Kathmandu Productions/House of RiddimVarious Artists''Bay Area Riddim''”Traffic Light Dread"2016Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Colorful Side Riddim''”Power Hungry"2016Tidouz ProductionsVarious Artists''Roots & Kulcha Riddim''”Suppen Nuh Right"2016Francesco Salteri (Greezzly Productions)Various Artists''After Berlin Wall Riddim''”Concrete Grave"2016Martin Kugler (Papa Noah Productions) Various Artists''Reelz''”Get So High"-(With Perfect Giddimani, Don Tippa, Skarra Mucci)2016Weedy G Soundforce/VPAL MusicVarious Artists''Sicknature Riddim Selection''”Stones and Gems"2016Boomrush ProductionsVarious Artists''Horn of Africa Riddim''”Rastafari Way"2016Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Lionrock Riddim''”Show Respect"2016Liontown RecordsVarious Artists''Zion Bound Riddim''”Lightning Earthquake and Thunder"2016Francesco Salteri (Greezzly Productions)Various Artists''Danger Zone Riddim''”Do Today"2016House of RiddimVarious Artists''Burnhard Spliffington Riddim''”Emperor Selassie"2017Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Nike Ear Riddim''”Home Owner"2017Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Kenyakibera Riddim''”Walk Away"2017Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Agogo Riddim''”Poor People" (Don Tippa)2017Roots Rebel SoundVarious Artists''Nugs & Kisses Riddim''”Calm Down"2017Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Like The Wind Riddim''”Mankind"2017Catchy RecordVarious Artists''Hot Fire Riddim''”One Big Stone"2017Evidence MusicVarious Artists''Jah Sazzah Presents Get Up Riddim''”Fed Up"2017Sazzah Studio RecordsVarious Artists''Digital Alliance, Vol. 1''”Help Everyone"2018Napem RecordsVarious Artists''Time and Tide Riddim''”What a Feeling"2018GreezzlyVarious Artists''Old Jack Plug Riddim''”Mental Problem"2018Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Chalice Geezas Riddim - EP''”Keep Me Away"2018Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Mighty Roots Riddim - EP''”Ego"2018Ambassador Musik ProductionVarious Artists''Civil Rights Riddim''”Forward Black Man"2018Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Anti-Racism Riddim''”Rastafari Warning"2018Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''My Favorite DJ Riddim''”Rescue"2019Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Carry Beyond Riddim - EP''”Too Late"2019Sazzah Studio RecordsVarious Artists''Inna We Heart Riddim' - EP'”First Man"2019Ragatac MusicVarious Artists''Vinyllionaires Club Riddim''”Attitude of Gratitude"2019Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Windrush Generation Riddim''”Rat Trap"2019Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Abaddown''”Jah Say"2019Evidence MusicVarious Artists''Angry Beast Riddim''”Inspired"2020Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Dub Club Riddim''”World Crisis"2020Giddimani RecordsVarious Artists''Mama Afrika Riddim''”Train Delay"2020Nyah Bless MusicVarious Artists''Catch Me Riddim''”Burn Some Marijuana"2020Kathmandu Productions.Various Artists''Rate Who Rate You Riddim''”Band Mind"2020Wilmac Records Various Artists''Magnifico Riddim''”Lyrical Don Dada"2021Greezzly Various Artists''Serious Time Riddim''”The Golden Rule"2021Kathmandu Productions=== Appearances ===+ AppearancesArtistTitleSong/sRelease dateLabelSymbiz''Thursday Sessions''”Beat Babylon", "Ev'rywhere"2011Rootdown RecordsLady N''N'Cognito''”Only You"2012Boomrush ProductionsSymbiz''OneFourFive''”All Alone"2013Rootdown RecordsSkarra Mucci''Greater Than Great''”Forward Inna Di Dance", "Red"2014Undisputed Records/Rawkaz ClanChucky Fully Loaded''ChuckyFullyLoaded & Prince Su''”Jah Jah We Pray", "Good Day"2014Fully Loaded IncMeli One''Through My Beats (Deluxe Edition)’’''”The Street Is on Fire", "Got It (Remix)"2014New Generation Music GroupKing Ital Rebel''Good Vybz''”Rebels Coming"2017Jamrockvybz Records/VPAL MusicPerfect Giddimani''Live My Life Again''”Positive Energy"2017Giddimani Records/House of RiddimKing Ital Rebel''OG Summer''”No Guns"2017Jamrockvybz Records/VPAL MusicPerfect Giddimani''Dub & Happiness EP''”Dub & Happiness"2018Giddimani Records/House of RiddimBlend Mishkin''Stop Run Maths (Single)''”Stop Run Maths"2019Undisputed RecordsRad Dixon''Tasjay Productions presents: Change EP''”Keep the Children Safe"2020Tasjay ProductionsRadikal Vibration''Jah Say - Single''”Jah Say"2020Evidence MusicSINKS''Terror Australis''”They Know" , " They Know (Phil Gektor Remix)2020SINKS ===Official mixtapes===*2015: ''Rasta Ting'' – present by Big Mama Sound===Mixtapes appearances===*2005: ''Young and Sexy Vol 9'' –  DJ L and DJ Suss one*2006: ''Young and Sexy Vol 10'' – DJ L and DJ Suss One *2008: ''Bad Boys, We Run This'' – Urban World Wireless and Bad Boy Records*2009: ''Rise to the top'' – DJ Mess and Ghetto Youth Sounds *2009: ''Austriamaica Vol 1'' – by Chiquitaman and San Clemente
External links * Damian Warren a.k.a. Teacha Dee surprises with a fine take on the Beatles' "Ob-La-Di" "Life Goes On", on First Sight Riddim* Reggaeville artiste profile for Teacha Dee* Energy God, Elephant Man Hosts The "Bad Boys: We Run This" Mixtape* Overstand review – Jamaican singer Damian Warren a.k.a. Teacha Dee with his entertaining "Smuggling Weed". * Teacha Dee slated for Ocean Splash on James bond Beach on 20 December 2009* Teacha Dee's latest news blog* Teacha Dee – Rasta Ting – Mixtape – Free Download!
References