For an extensive period he was the choice rapper for leading UK production outfit Blacksmith before stepping out to begin creating his own path. He was courted by major record labels, yet could not compromise his lyrics in exchange for mainstream success.
Defining his music as God-inspired, it includes the gospel message, yet also deals with real life issues of the human experience. Jahaziel is a man on a mission; He travels the world constantly sharing his faith through hip hop and reggae music with lyrics speaking deep truths and resulting in being a positive force. Recognising music as a powerful communicative tool, Jahaziel knows the Hip Hop genre is a language many understand, and it especially strikes a chord with this generation.
Utilising his phenomenal gift, Jahaziel incorporates his music with youth work. Through honest lyrics, he delivers powerful messages with positive, thought-provoking music. Yet he also has a wide appeal and desires to reach everyone. Above all, Jahaziel always wants to inspire all people to get closer to God.
He is also influenced by Reggae/Dancehall owing to a Jamaican bloodline and a familiarity with the culture, which is evident in Jahaziel’s music. His Uncle, Maxi Priest has been a huge influence in his music. In addition, his upbringing in multi-cultural London has enabled him to bring a fresh approach to music. Unafraid to take risks, Jahaziel’s musical creativity has pushed parameters and generated a reputation as a pioneer. He is truly a unique and inspirational individual; an exciting artist who has captured the imagination of audiences and caught the attention of the music world.
All these factors led to Jahaziel winning a MOBO award for Best Gospel Act in 2008, nominated for a MOBO award in 2007 and winning two Oasis awards in 2006; Best Male and Best Holy Hip Hop Artist. It proved to be a pivotal year as he also featured on ‘The New Sound of Gospel’ album, his first official release. Jahaziel’s first track ‘You Got Yours’ can be found on the compilation which features some of the very best in US & UK contemporary Gospel music. This proved Jahaziel as an instrumental part of the developing diverse sound of gospel music and created international exposure on a new level.
Since then Jahaziel has completed his critically acclaimed award winning album ‘Ready To Live’, in which he has received rave reviews. He recently headlined Flavor Fest, a Christian Hop Hip conference in Florida, US. The conference is renowned all over the world and has attracted tens of thousands of people over the years. For a UK Hip Hop act to headline this conference is a great achievement, and is proof UK hip hop is breaking ground in the US. Jahaziel was greatly received and endeavours to embark on a US tour next year.
He also is working with Major Charity - Christian Aid. Christian Aid is a global charity that approached Jahaziel to do produce a track and music video to create awareness of the crisis in Burma.
Currently, Jahaziel is working with UK Anti Gun and Knife crime initiative ‘It doesn’t have to happen’ and will be releasing his latest video for his anti gun and knife violence song ‘In My Neighbourhood’. Jahaziel is probably the hardest working rapper in the UK.
www.jahazielmusic.com
www.myspace.com/jahazielmusic
Written by Maya Simeon
All rights reserved.
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