LA Lewis claims Trump-level wealth - Says nothing about him is gimmick

Self-proclaimed Maroon emperor LA Lewis has declared himself one of the richest men in the Caribbean, boldly claiming that his net worth rivals that of United States President Donald Trump.

Speaking during an interview at his headquarters along Constant Spring Road in St Andrew, Lewis insisted that his wealth places him in a financial league far beyond most Caribbean businessmen.

"Big up Donald Trump every time. My wealth is Trump-level rich," Lewis said confidently.

According to Forbes, Trump's estimated net worth is about US$6.5 billion or J$1.2 trillion.

Lewis, who leads what he calls the Nyan Ko Pong Maroon Government, said his fortune stems from several business ventures, including a security company, a loan agency, spiritual advisory services and his music label, Trillionaire Records.

The entertainer-turned-spiritual leader, who often refers to himself as "Emperor Horus Lewis El Bey", said his wealth allows him to enjoy a lifestyle many would associate with global billionaires.

"Mi live a Beverly Hills and other upscale places, and mi have houses all over. I am one of richest man in the Caribbean. I have my own money, I have diamonds plus a host of other things," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Despite public scepticism surrounding his claims, Lewis insisted that his financial success is undeniable and rooted in both business and spiritual influence.

During the interview, Lewis dramatically tossed wads of cash onto the ground, insisting that ordinary men cannot measure up to his wealth.

"I cannot be broke, it is impossible," he said. "It doesn't matter where I live because a lot of persons live in Cherry Gardens that I have to lend money to, so where I live don't define richness. My bank book and assets determine my richness. I can't suffer with a name like LA Lewis", he said.

The self-proclaimed emperor admitted that life has not always been easy, but maintained that he has "never been broke since call upon Nyan Ko Pong, who is the father of Jesus".

"I can walk with all $20 million, but the prime minister cannot do it because he is a normal citizen. I am not because I am sovereign," Lewis claimed.

To many members of the public, Lewis is remembered for theatrical stunts -- from his famous Fido Dido-style drawings to the oft-repeated slogan "We love you, LA Lewis." Critics routinely dismiss him as a master showman, but to those closest to him, he is their emperor, provider and leader.

"Everyone who has life have to evolve, and it's just like how a tree starts as a seed then it grows and starts to feed people. Nothing should be the same all the time," he reasoned.

Reflecting on his journey, Lewis said he began as a vendor before transitioning into entertainment and later becoming a "business producer where I made millions of dollars".

"After that I took up my real calling, and I came out of the Freemason as a high priest, and I use my gift to start help people spiritually," he added.

Lewis said he established the Nyan Ko Pong Maroon Government 16 years ago, describing the organisation as one dedicated to advancing the cause of Maroons worldwide.

At his office on Wednesday, before his hand even touched the polished brass doorknob of the boardroom, the atmosphere inside shifted. Around the long table, men and women abruptly halted their discussion and rose to their feet in unison, standing at attention as the door opened. Their emperor had arrived.

A sharp blast from an abeng sliced through the air. The horn sounded for several seconds before the group broke into a rhythmic chant in honour of their leader. Lewis walked calmly to the head of the table and lowered himself into his chair. Only then did his followers quietly return to their seats. Among his most loyal followers is the organisation's minister of security, who sat nearby with a stern, watchful gaze.

"I vow to protect the emperor with my life," the man declared.

Aside from heading a Maroon Government, Lewis said he lives to make people happy, but stressed that he is no class clown.

"Nothing about the emperor is gimmicks," he said. "I always keep a happy face, and learnt in Freemasonry that it is harder to make people smile. Anywhere the emperor goes it's like Christmas. If people want to call me gimmicks, so let it be, but I am a rich gimmick," he said.

At the same time, the man christened Horace Lewis said the actions that have brought him his fortune are above board.

"Nothing that I am doing is illegal," he said. "If a white man was doing what I was, everyone would believe, but because I am black I am seen as gimmick, but I am rich, and no one around me can be poor," he added.