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Jelani Aswad inspiring young minds through music, poetry

Published:Sunday | January 29, 2023 | 2:27 PM
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Jelani Aswad
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Jelani Aswad
Jelani Aswad (left) shows a student of Waterford High School how to play the guitar, during a recent tour of the institution.
Contributed
Jelani Aswad (left) shows a student of Waterford High School how to play the guitar, during a recent tour of the institution.
Jelani Aswad shares lens time with Students and a staff of Waterford High School in Protmore during an inspirational session.
Contributed
Jelani Aswad shares lens time with Students and a staff of Waterford High School in Protmore during an inspirational session.
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Worship Pastor and recording artiste Jelani Aswad is vowing to stay committed to his music and poetry career to positively impact young minds bombarded with negative influences from the music industry.

A Bronx, New York, United States of America native, Jelani grew up in Spring Valley in the church, where he learned singing, performing and honouring the Creator, whom he credits for his gifts.

Intrigued by stories of his neighbourhood, he strayed from the church for many years before getting the desire to catalogue his stories through music and poetry.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ, however, transformed Jelani’s life. He now believes it is time to share the stories, which will involve a wide array of styles that will be featured on his debut album The Revival Project, which will target youths with the message of Jesus is the hope of the world and in him there is peace.

Recently, he visited Jamaica for a quick inspirational tour at various stops to spread the message of his first release, DATC, which stands for death around the corner and is a reggae and drill-infused hybrid track.

“I have been observing the state of the industry and noticed that certain types of negative influences music, has basically taken over what the youths consume. I felt I would put a different spin on the negative and craft a record that will bring life, not death,” Jelani said.

According to Jelani, DATC is a lamentation of pain, for the streets and the people struggling to be heard and was crafted to bring healing to nations through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

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