Levi Roots

Levi Roots: A Reggae Legend and Celebrity Chef

Levi Roots, born Keith Valentine Graham, is a Jamaican-British reggae singer, songwriter, musician, chef, and entrepreneur. He is most famously known for his Reggae Reggae jerk barbecue sauce, which has gained him worldwide recognition, and his restaurant Papine Jerk Centre, located in Battersea, London. However, his successful career in the food industry wasn't always on the cards.

Born on June 24, 1958, in Clarendon, Jamaica, Levi and his siblings grew up in extreme poverty. At the tender age of five, he was sent to live with his grandmother, while his parents worked in the UK to support the family. In his early years, music was his passion and escape from the hardships of life. The sound of Bob Marley and the Wailers resonated with him, and he began performing at local bars and events. His talent for music grew, leading him to perform alongside both Bob Marley and Nelson Mandela, for the latter's birthday celebration.

In 1991, Levi decided to take his musical career to the UK, where he recorded his first album "Soul Drums." Despite receiving critical acclaim, the album's success was short-lived, and Levi found himself struggling to make ends meet, making a living by cooking Jamaican food at local fairs and events. It was during this time that he started to experiment with different sauces, eventually creating his now-famous Reggae Reggae sauce.

In 2007, Levi's big break came when he appeared on the UK television reality show, Dragon's Den. He pitched his sauce and won £50,000 in funding from two of the show's investors. The rest, as they say, is history. Since then, he has released multiple cookbooks, presented TV shows, and launched a line of Caribbean-inspired ready meals.

Described by those who know him as charismatic and confident, Levi values his Caribbean roots, which he showcases in his music and food. His successful venture into the food industry has been driven by his love of Jamaican cuisine, and his philosophy of "putting love into everything you do."

Levi has eight children from seven relationships, and while he is no longer with any of their mothers, he is an active presence in their lives, often incorporating his family into his business ventures.

Throughout his career, Levi has been associated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Bob Marley and Nelson Mandela, whose friendship with Levi led the singer to perform at his birthday celebration. Shaggy and Jamie Oliver are among the other notable personalities he has collaborated with.

Levi Roots' story is one of perseverance and determination. He has conquered both the music and food industry, making it to the top with his signature sauce and culinary creations. He is an inspiration to many, showing that, with hard work and passion, anything is possible.