I was born in London and migrated to Jamaica in 1975 where I attended school and learned the rules of life from my grandfather John Lee and Ras-Tafari. Jahnkonoo derives from the masks worn by tribes men, warlords, and bush-doctors of Africa.
I see Ras-Tafari and Reggae music as an army fighting a political, economical and spiritual warfare, for the liberation of black African people at home and abroad. My song writing ability has been inspired by Peter Tosh, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Prince
Ini- Kamozi, Public Enemy and Ice Cube.
I really enjoy reading and researching for my lyrics, composing beats in my head and verbalising the beat to my collaborators while building the rhythms for the songs.
I've been writing and performing since 1997; I was living in France and Spain at the time, but a brief visit back to Jamaica in 1998 gave me the privilege of meeting Lone Ranger, Puddy Roots, Ringo, Quench Aid, Ranking Trevor, Blacka Shine, Bongo Herbman and Cutty Ranks.
That same year I forged a relationship with DJ Julian Garcia who I met in Barcelona, Spain. He recognised my talents as a performing artist and within weeks I began supporting acts such as Linton Kwesi Johnson, The Wailers + Marcia Griffiths, Lorna Asher, Chucky Star, Al Campbell, U Brown, Peter Hunningale,Jazzwad and the Ruff Cutt Band.
Back in 1998 + 2000 I released two singles under my own label, " Neva born a Jamaica" and "I'm Gone" by a sistren artist named Mandy aka "Talawar 75", who went on to sing with Basement Jaxx.
I am currently working on my new album with co-producer (Alix Richmond), and a host of talented musicians (including Mafia, Fluxy, Bubblers, Valerie Vibes, Kashta-Rasites, Vinnie,Papa Jay Mensah and Talawar 75), hoping to be released in 2007. So watch "Konu Munu" afraid of Jahnkonoo, hard core lyrics, "Too Hot fi Unu"
Look out for forthcoming live performances soon - inc Marcus Garvey Family Day Concert, Notting Hill Carnival 2006, and Kwawu's One Man Show.
Details for all these gigs and more coming soon on the profile.
Check out the Dazzle Events website ( www.dazzle-events.co.uk ) for details of co-hosted shows and parties. Plus info on affiliated artists and DJs.
