Official Bio

Growing up in a musical family on the Island of Curacao, Leo-Tan was gifted with the ability to sing and play instruments. At age seven he started playing guitar and shortly after began singing and playing in different churches on the island.

As the years went by peer pressure got the best of him and he started to rebel against all the rules and regulations of the church. He got involved in competitions and was toasting for money or for anything that was worth competing for. His desire for money became dominant, leaving no time for church anymore. Instead he spent his days hustling in the streets with his friends. Things got out of hand so he was sent away at age 13 to Trinidad, to complete his secondary and high school education.

Returning to Saint Marten he joined a local band, and was playing for Carnival and other Caribbean festivities, playing electric guitar, and singing and toasting for Reggae and Dancehall repertoires. However, doing all of these things Leo-Tan was not satisfied with the progress and support of the locals and the lifestyle, so he left in 1991 to The Netherlands.

Ever since then he was involved with numerous projects, performances and interviews in The Netherlands and the Caribbean, and began singing and performing in church again. Leo-Tan is presently busy with his upcoming album. He feels it's about time the world gets what they deserve, good quality lyrics and music. He sings all of the vocals in his tracks including the dancehall toasting.

Leo-Tan has been busy for a very long time, starting in the Caribbean and then crossing the oceans to Europe. Leo-Tan has performed in Germany, Austria, England, Belgium, Bermuda, and all over The Netherlands.

Exclusive Interview with GospelReggae.com

GR: How did you begin doing music?

Artist: At the age of five my dad taught me to play guitar, and shortly after that I was singing and playing in all the local churches on the island, and for many other festivities.

GR: Tell me, how did your name come about? Any obstacles with it--funny mispronunciations, etc...?

Artist: As a kid growing up like around 12 years of age, I started hanging out with my friends, and we would watch a lot of karate movies. We were fascinated by their skills, and one day we decided to give each other names. I was from that time on known as The Tan and later when I started to toast I became Leo-Tan.

GR: What is the most valuable lesson that you learned from your Mom or Dad growing up that you still apply today?

Artist: I would say there cheerful kindness displayed to others in need.

GR: If you could share the stage with any Christian or secular artist in the world (living or dead) who would it be?

Artist: Stevie Wonder.

GR: I know that you have written a whole heap of songs in the past, but what's your favorite one? Now, if that is too hard for you to answer, then tell me this; if you spent 5 minutes with an avid reggae fan and only had enough time to play them one of your songs, which one would you play them?

Artist: My eyes have seen

GR: What were the last 5 CDs that you put in your disc changer?

Artist: Boomshots new release, Steel Pulse, Leo-Tan, Donnie McClurkin, Commissioned.

GR: Read any good books lately?

Artist: A revelation of heaven, He came to set the captives free.

GR: What's your favorite verse in the Bible and why?

Artist: The lord is my Shepard I shall not want... God is telling me and reminding me that I'm shielded and taken cared of, and that nothing is impossible for him to do for me.

GR: What Bible character do you most identify yourself with?

Artist: King David.

GR: What do you have to say about (or to) artists that started off in the Christian industry (CBA) doing gospel music and now sing secular (mainstream) with a watered down, or ambiguous message?

Artist: Go back to where you first saw the light, everyone falls but you don't have to stay on the ground, call upon the name of Jesus.

GR: As Christians, God is of course our true inspiration, but beyond the generic response of "Jesus," what are your muses in your life (for lack of a better word)? For example, what are the people, places, or things that trigger a fresh musical idea and ultimately a new song for you?

Artist: Nature, the hills, the sea side, the country side and landscapes, friendly and unkind people, they all have a story to tell. You must be open to the moment of there revelation, then you can pick up the melodies that surrounds them.

GR: Name something personal that gives you great satisfaction.

Artist: Hearing my Moms voice when I call her overseas, and talking to my family.

GR: What has been your lowest moment so far in life?

Artist: My divorce with my wife after 14 long years being and living together, falling back into my past weaknesses and lifestyle.

GR: What has been your highest moment?

Artist: When I was delivered again by God's grace, and started writing and singing about my experience and Christ mercy and grace.

GR: What is your philosophy of stage ministry? Is there any one message that you always want to leave with your audience?

Artist: I am just the instrument, all praise and glory is for God.

GR: What are the three things you enjoy most about touring? And least?

Artist: Traveling, the sceneries, and the response of the audience before and after the performances. I dislike delayed flights, the jet lags, and unorganized events.

GR: What is the best audience that you have ever played in front of?

Artist: My last concert for the youth organization here in Holland, they knew all my songs and sang along.

GR: What goes through your mind before you go onstage at the average show?

Artist: Lord empty me of myself that you may enter and that Your Name be praised.

GR: If you could whisper in the ears of youths aspiring to start a music ministry like yours, what would you say?

Artist: Don't get your hopes to high, just keep focused on who you are representing, and the people who needs the encouragement and hope.

GR: Why do you do music? What is your primary goal?

Artist: It is my passion and a gift and talent that I received from the Most High, so I must use it for the cause of salvation and restoration.

GR: Could you please give a message to the reggae fans that are reading this and would like to know more about your faith and who Jesus is to you?

Artist: Jesus is everything to me, even do I don't always treat him the same way, he doesn't wait for me to love him, he loved me first. I am convinced if we learn how to surrender in the way he wants us too, there will be no mountain to high for us to climb and no sin that we can't overcome and conquer--Be blessed.

Ministry

I am a servant and musical instrument of our Lord, Savior, and King of Kings "Jesus Christ". My duty and those of all mankind is to be the salt of the earth giving it flavor, and therefore representing Jesus Christ. I know that the world has chosen to rebel against God making void His word, His laws, and His commandments. However there are a few not many, whom by His grace seek and desire to follow, thrust, and obey Him.

This will guarantee us a place in the New Jerusalem where we will all live together with Jesus, in harmony and peace as was intended for us before sin infected the plans for mankind. I am blessed by God, and I desire to use my talent in full service for him. I hope and pray that I would never have to sing about anything else but about His love, grace, and mercy. For there is no greater love than that of the Trinity, God the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Discography

Various Artists, Boomshots! The Best of the Underground

Concerts

There are currently no upcoming events listed.

Contact / Booking:

Leo-Tan
0031/235490643
0031/620075814
musicinvasion@gmail.com

Official EMail:

ezylt@hotmail.com

Official Website:

http://www.myspace.com/wwwleotancom

Photos