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of the Caribbean’s top entertainers, AJAMU comes from the island
of Grenada, internationally famous for its large variety of spices,
and known as the “Isle of Spice.” Indeed, AJAMU’s
music reflects the variety of spices and musical art forms prevalent
in Grenada and the Caribbean. He is adept in Calypso, Soca, Parang
and Reggae. Few Caribbean enter- tainers can match him for his ability
to write music, compose sharp and deep lyrics, or arrange music. AJAMU
is truly a multi-talented entertainer. AJAMU
began singing calypso in 1983 after a one-year stint in Trinidad
and Tobago where he experienced first hand the great calypso stars
in action. Once he arrived on the calypso scene, fans welcomed this
breath of fresh air and dubbed him “KING AJAMU”, a title
that he answers to, but his humble nature has not embraced. Acknowledging
his talent, AJAMU has since been hailed by both Calypso Rose, the
Calypso Queen of the world, and the Mighty Sparrow, the calypso
King of the World, as a gifted, talented and top-class Calypsonian.
The Mighty Sparrow said of his Grenadian compatriot that he reminded
him of himself when he started his career.
AJAMU holds the unprecedented title as the seven-time Grenada Calypso
Monarch, winning in the 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995, and
2004, and he continues to make outstanding musical contributions
generating CD after CD and hit after hit. Standing at just 5ft 7inches,
this musical giant plays guitar, keyboards, drums, and is a certified
sound engineer. AJAMU has written, arranged, and produced songs
for a number of top Grenadian Calypsonians, and has transformed
many a calypso with his finishing touches. He concluded a great
year in 1997 by winning the coveted “Male Vocalist of the
Year” title at the impressive “Sunshine Awards”
held in New York beating out other calypso stars like David Rudder
of TNT and Edwin Yearwood of Barbados. His musical efforts have
been recognized by the international music community as he has been
featured regularly in the “Bible of the Music Industry”
– Billboard Magazine. For his services to the Calypso art
form, AJAMU became a member of an elite group of three calypsonians
honored by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, with the prestigious
title “Member of The British Empire” (MBE) in December
of 1998.
Although AJAMU is recognized mostly for Calypso/Soca,
he's equally at home in the Reggae genre. With the release of his
first reggae CD "Jah Is My King", audiences got a taste
of just how versatile he is. This was followed in 2005 by the long
awaited release of “Living Water.” He is recognized
by top Reggae artistes around the world and has shared the stage
with many of them. His second and long awaited reggae CD, will be
released in 2005. Whether it's Reggae or Calypso, the unifying links
of his two musical personas are good music and uplifting themes.
With the success of AJAMU’S music, he has
become one of Grenada's and the Caribbean’s most competent
cultural ambassadors. This gifted musician is well respected by
his peers and has performed in the Caribbean, the United States,
Canada, and Europe to sold-out audiences. He continues to travel
year round using his voice to croon uplifting songs that traverse
musical genres; audiences and fans are captivated with his simplicity
yet intensity. AJAMU is a gentleman with a down-to-earth charm,
but is a serious professional. With a Discography that spans many
12” releases, and 21 albums and counting, music is definitely
in his blood.
AJAMU’S music exudes love - his special
brand of King Man Love.
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