The roots reggae genre continues to evolve every day from contributions of artists all over the globe, but especially out of the movement's epicenter of Kingston, Jamaica. Although most Jah-loving musicians are pushing for equality and tranquility, the message is shrouded by the definite lack of female voices among the masses. Female rootsy protagonists do exist, but they are few and far between and the ones who have made an impact are often judged more critically than their innumerable male counterparts. Herein lies the struggle of women versus men to break into mainstream mania. With the odds stacked against women of reggae, some have risen to the challenge without having to compromise their values and Kingston's own Jah9 is an illustrious example.
Jah9 is a well-rounded woman of reggae, preaching a positive directive to all who will listen
Moving from the Jamaican countryside to the metropolis of Kingston, Jah9 grew up on music to salvage her creativity and individuality. Her family encouraged her to be socially conscious and Jah9 quickly became an advocate for social justice as an adult. Even now – as her career escalates ever higher – Jah9 remains an avid community activist, campaigning for the non-profit youth and arts group “Manifesto JA” as well as the “Healing of the Nation” public awareness program for Kingston's at-risk youth. Not only is Jah9 healing her hometown with charitable work, she is healing the minds and spirits of her yoga followers by being a devout yoga enthusiast. Needless to say, Jah9 is a well-rounded woman of reggae, preaching a positive directive to all who will listen.
Jah9's music follows the Jazz on Dub style – often compared to the likes of the late blues queen Ella Fitzgerald. Her first album “New Name” debuted in February 2013 after her “Mr. Right” single spiraled into the spotlight. Even before the release of her premier album, Jah9 caught the attention of reggae greats such as Beres Hammond among others, and is now making her way to the United States to spread her sound. Starting on July 25th, Jah9 will take part in Delaware's Festival 4 Peace in Wilmington and will stop in nine other east coast cities before her last gig on September 6th in Norfolk's Virginia Reggae Fest. If you are interested in catching Jah9 live, please see her complete U.S. Itinerary below or visit http://www.jah9.com.
Jah9 East Coast tour visualized
Tour dates
- July 25, 2015 – Wilmington, DE – People’s Festival
- July 26, 2015 – Washington DC – Tropicalia
- July 27, 2015 – New York, NY – SOB’s
- July 28, 2015 – Burlington, VT – Nectar’s
- July 29, 2015 – Pawtucket, RI – The Met
- July 30, 2015 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Music Hall
- July 31, 2015 – Poughkeepsie, NY – Club Ciboney
- August 1, 2015 – Ithaca, NY – The Haunt
- August 2, 2015 – Cleveland, OH – Midwest Reggae Fest
Jah9 “Gratitude” official music video
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