5 Questions With Jahmiel

With songs like Great Man, U Me Luv, Legend, True Colours, Story of My Life, Strongest Soldier, Winning, and A Better Tomorrow, Jahmiel has firmly established himself within the reggae and dancehall ecosystem.

Jahmiel, who uses his real name as his stage name, has been creating music since 2014 and has kept true to his message of “good ova evil”. His sound is described as “a combination of conscious lyrics and hardcore beats which he mixes together to create a unique style”.

It was in 2016 that Jahmiel released his debut album, Great Man, which had on its track list songs such as Thoughts & Dreams, Give Thanks For Life, Don’t Wanna Lose You featuring Moyann, Treasure, Good Vibes featuring Tarrus Riley, and Times To Remember.

Accolades, not surprisingly, started coming his way, with recognition at the Sting Awards and the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association Breakthrough Artiste of the year Award for 2016.

At the time, the singjay stated, “It is a great feeling being awarded for your work. I have been putting in the hard work, and now I can see and feel the love and appreciation that people have for my talent and music, and that just shows that the work is paying off.”

Fast forward to December 2023 and Jahmiel experienced that “love and appreciation” in the realest way when he performed at the BHIM Concert, hosted by African superstar Stonebwoy at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana.

That was his first time in Ghana since dropping the Stonebwoy collab Motion. The song appeared on Stonebwoy’s 2020 LP Anloga Junction, which was awarded Album of the Year by ReggaeVille.

On February 6, 5 Questions With... caught up with Jahmiel backstage at the Bob Marley Birthday Concert at Emancipation Park, where he also performed.

1. Why was it important for you to be present at a Bob Marley birthday celebration?

Bob Marley is one of the artistes who has inspired me a lot; He is one of my favourite artistes to listen to; Bob Marley’s music helped to shape the way I think. So, being at [his] celebration was a way to show my appreciation for what he has done for me musically.

2. Is there any similarity between your message and that of Marley?

Definitely ... righteousness, good ova evil, God ova devil .... and truth. That’s what Bob Marley’s music represent and that what my music represents and the fans know that. I’ll tell you something .... I just got back from Ghana where I performed for more than 50,000 people. They knew my songs, word-for-word. I did a nice set there. I am close friends with afro-dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, and he invited me to Ghana. It was a great experience.

3. Was that your first trip to the Motherland?

It was actually my fourth time in Africa. I’ve been to Gambia a few times and looking forward to going back there this year; I have been to Malawi. I have a huge fan base in Africa. The energy is great. The fans have me feeling overwhelmed when I am there ... showering me with love. I am inspired by them to continue doing what I am doing because the music is helping them through their daily life.

4. What are your two biggest songs in Ghana?

Honestly, that’s a difficult question, but I would say Better Tomorrow stood out for me because when that riddim drop the place erupted, and also U me Luv and Strongest Soldier – you name it, dem know it.

5. There is talk of a new album. Is there any particular inspiration for this?

The title is Nirvana, because that’s the state I am in right now ... peace within myself. Nirvana means heaven and that’s how I feel within so I want to share this moment with the fans with this project. I am a spiritual person and I am always going deep within for answers. I am always seeking new knowledge and I think I have found it ... love is the answer.

BRAWTA:

You caused a stir when you got baptised in 2021. Has that experience changed your outlook musically, and what is your vision for reggae music?

I was searching. This album definitely will show where I am because I have found peace. After the baptism, I went through a lot of stuff but all of that led to where I am at right now. Love is the answer. You are my sister, he is my brother ... we are one big family.

With the music, I would say ... just keep it positive because positivity goes a far way. Look at Bob Marley, he isn’t with us right now, but musically he is still here. It’s been ages and we still feel his music, but negative music is very limited. Numbers don’t lie. The biggest songs in the world are love songs, so love is the answer. From mi born Mama tell me seh a good ova evil ... and good still a win.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.comz