Jelani Kamau
“Mighty warrior” is the meaning and image that the name Jelani Kamau would invoke in the minds of many Africans; in due time, the world of reggae will recognize the music of this upcoming artist in a similarly powerful light.
Brooklyn born of Antiguan parentage, music has always played a role in Jelani’s life. He played the saxophone from 7 years old and by the age of 9 years he was a member of his church’s youth choir.
Jelani’s spirituality and love for Reggae music emerged at a young age. Friends and family, who acknowledge his inimitable skills, encouraged him to take his talents to a more professional dimension. Over time, Jelani’s voice and vision grew elementally, transforming what began as a mere hobby into a career.
The world of Reggae has saluted the music of Jelani positively. He has shared stages with legendary Reggae superstars such as Bunny Wailer, Culture, Sizzla, Anthony B, Frankie Paul, Glen Washington, Ed Robinson, and Everton Blender, among others.
Jelani’s first single, “Beholden″, was produced by renowned saxophonist and producer Dean Fraser. “Searching For Royalty″, another song that Jelani co-produced with Dubble-0-7 Productions, was recorded at the Bob Marley’s recording studio, Tuff Gong, in Jamaica. These songs are receiving major airplay in the United Kingdom, America and Antigua. As well, the accompanying video for “Beholden” has received play on Hype-TV and TVJ, and stayed in daily rotation on CVM-TV for many months. His second video, for “Searching For Royalty”, released in January 2012, has upped the stakes, receiving widespread accolades for its originality and visual effects, as well as heavy rotation in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean on RE-TV, Hype-TV, TVJ and other stations.
On the heels of these early successes, Jelani has released his first studio CD, entitled “The Sojourn”, with standout tracks such as “The Living Dead”, “Who Fights For The Poor” and “Spiritual War”.
Says Jelani, “I am on a mission to help uplift the oppressed through my songs; I want my songs to be an inspiration to the ears, especially to the youths”. Through his songs he soulfully defends and proclaims the virtues of women, and their importance to the family and their communities, and who have been inequitably treated in society. As well, Jelani laments the prevalence of war and violence in the world, the inability of the world’s leaders to “find alternatives to resolve different ideologies”.
Through his dynamic voice and melodic songs, one can get a taste for the depths of Jelani’s convictions, rich vocals, songwriting skills, and the versatility of his ability. Jelani is determined to step out of the shadows to spread powerful, melodic and captivating messages of justice and righteous livity throughout the reggae community and beyond.
Contact:
Phone: 268-728-3838 (in Caribbean); 516-532-3194 (in U.S.)
Website: http://www.jelanikamau.com Email: KamauJelani@gmail.com