About

My name is Maximilian Léonardo Döpel, and I am the creative mind behind the Roots Reggae project "Levitical Heritage". I was born on November 26, 1996, in Uelzen, Germany. Growing up in a small village near Uelzen, the rural environment shaped me profoundly, giving me a dreamy, calm, and nature-connected character that has remained with me even after my later move to the city. 

My first conscious encounter with the joy of music happened when I was a child, waiting in my father's car. I discovered a Jackson 5 CD and found the song "I Want You Back." I played that song on repeat until my father returned, and that's when I developed my love for music. My mother always encouraged my siblings and me to make music - she paid for lessons and bought us instruments. 

Although I had always enjoyed listening to reggae music, my passion for Roots Reggae intensified significantly when I drew closer to God and began reading the Bible. I discovered the biblical wisdom contained in this genre, and Roots Reggae became my daily companion. My musical style is heavily influenced by traditional reggae. Rather than trying to invent something new, I want to continue this tradition. 

So far, I have worked alone and haven't collaborated with any major musicians or worked with important studios and producers. My first release was "Give I Direction" in 2023, followed by several individual singles that I later re-released as the "Give I Direction (Dread Demo) - EP". After that, the "Jah Made A Way EP", released on September 5, 2025, became my first major release. 

The message of traditional Roots Reggae is very central to my work: a return to one's own culture and roots, where the Bible shows us where we come from and who we really are, while maintaining an Afrocentric perspective. 

The spiritual and political side of reggae is essential to give the music weight - without this side, it's just entertainment. The message I want to convey is that only JAH alone can save us, and only He can improve our situation. 

We should learn to love people but place our trust only in God. JAH has made a way where there was none by taking the guilt of our sins upon Himself. Rastafari plays a major role in my life, and I am close to the teachings of the 12 Tribes, who see Haile Selassie as a parable or sign of the returning Christ, but not as the Messiah himself.