Born on May 14, 2001, at the Hackney Hospital in the London Borough of Hackney, Devanté Kaseem Delisser-Douglas, known today by his stage name Drako303, is a rising force in the dancehall scene. Though born in the UK, Drako was raised in Denham Town, Kingston 14, Jamaica, a place that shaped both his life and musical identity. A former student of Calabar High School, Drako’s roots run deep in Jamaican culture and sound, thanks to his Jamaican-born parents and the vibrant musical environment he grew up in.

Drako303

His journey in music began with humble beginnings. As a young teen, he found himself deeply inspired by the rich legacy of reggae and soul music. Artists like Dennis Brown, Chronixx, Bob Marley, and Beres Hammond became his early mentors in spirit. Covering their songs allowed him to explore and appreciate the emotional depth and lyrical richness of these genres. It was during this formative period at the age of 13 that Drako discovered his passion for songwriting. A year later, at just 14, he penned his first original track. By 17, he had recorded his first song, officially launching his journey as a recording artist.

In the early stages of his career, Drako collaborated with various independent labels including 3r40 Records, CashTalk Productions, Raggedy Productions, and UFO Music Group. Despite facing challenges such as limited studio access, promotion hurdles, and lack of management support, he remained undeterred. Driven by raw passion and determination, he took a more DIY approach, recording his own vocals, designing his own cover art, and creating visualizers to release his music independently. This hands-on effort not only built his work ethic but also helped him cultivate an organic fanbase that connected with his authenticity and message.

Originally known as Dougy Draco, a name inspired by his surname Douglas and a nickname given to him by his high school friend Mathew N Powell, he later evolved his stage persona to Drako303. This change came at age 21 during a brief pause in his musical career. Upon his return, he envisioned a fresh start, one that embodied a new artistic identity. The number 303 represents his brand: a night owl symbol and a reflection of his personal and creative rebirth. Interestingly, he only later discovered that ".303" is also a type of rifle, an unintended but fitting metaphor for the powerful impact he aims to make in music.

Drako303 is not just a singer, he is a versatile artist capable of switching styles, tones, and even languages to suit a variety of genres. While rooted in dancehall, he fluidly explores other musical spaces such as R&B, soul, rap, drill, and Afrobeat. He takes pride in his vocal delivery, aiming to evoke real emotions through his music, whether joy, pain, resilience, or love.

His life has not been without hardship. After moving to Jamaica at the age of three, Drako was placed in foster care due to his mother’s illness. Much of his childhood was spent in institutions such as Walkers Place of Safety, Red Hills Place of Safety, Mount Olivet Boys’ Home, and Maxfield Park Children’s Home. These experiences, though challenging, shaped his worldview and gave depth to his art. Music became his anchor, a source of strength, healing, and purpose.

Now, as Drako303, he sets his sights on elevating dancehall to new global heights, not by following in the footsteps of greats like Sean Paul, Shaggy, or Shabba Ranks, but by blazing his own trail. His mission is to redefine and modernize the genre while keeping its soul intact, creating a sound that resonates worldwide, powered by authenticity, emotion, and vision.