‘Best Reggae in the U.S.A. A few words with the man behind the Jah Kings

June 8, 2005

I’ve been pushing the Jah Kings movement for 15+ years to date.  I’m the founder/frontman of the Jah Kings. 
I write all of the music and also perform most of it in the studio.  My first CD that received a lot of praise in BEAT Magazine and Reggae Report was entitled “Jah Frequency” in 1995.  In 1999 I released the “Love” CD that was nominated Best Reggae CD, and myself, Best Reggae Performer at the 2002 Chicago Music Awards.  I played the keyboards, drums, guitars, percussion, and did all of the vocals on it. Simba Jahi was the bassist. 
My latest CD is entitled “Now” and it was nominated Best World CD at the 2004 Jammie Awards out of Grand Rapids.  The picture that I used on the “Now” CD was on the front of National Geographic.  It’s called the “Hourglass Nebula” and I had to get NASA permission to use it. 
The CD’s original purpose was for a South African tour in 2001 but was cancelled because of the war in Iraq.  I wrote a song called “South Africa” on the CD that is just getting airplay there. This CD can be purchased at the Higher Self metaphysical store in Traverse City.  
I’m currently located in Fort Pierce, FL; performing and interviewing musicians and management companies.  I’m back up here in the midwest because my Dad is in the last stages of cancer.  
Since I’ve received so many emails from the Traverse City “family,” I was so moved by the LOVE and need for my music and the message by the people in the area that I’ve put together a band to come up for two rare performances at the Loading Dock on the 10th and 11th of June. 
I’ve been very fortunate to be blessed with great musicians in the Jah Kings experience.  This will continue this trip. I’m coming up with my bredren Lee Cooke from Jamaica on drums, Dale Neville on bass, and Josh Ampey on keyboards.  
The Jah Kings have opened up for many top acts such as the Four Tops, Eek-a-Mouse, Phyllis Hyman, Bobby Womack, TLC, Shia, KoKo Taylor, The Itals, Journey, Inner Circle, Foreigner and the Ark Band to name a few.  
I was currently featured in the BEAT Magazine’s February Issue in the Homegrown Reggae USA section of this year, which is a great honor to be celebrated in the category of the best Reggae in the USA!  
My message is brotherly LOVE for all humanity, fused with a desire to make this world a better place by coming up with a solution where “WE CAN ALL WIN!!” I’m also a Melchizedek priest. 
Even though musicians come and go, the Jah Kings’ movement and message is unstoppable!