Jahmali ADD
Born Ryan Thomas in Clarendon, Jamaica on April 5, Jahmali relocated to Kingston as a young man to attend community college and went on to teach before he began his singing career under the name of Junior T. Although he came of age in the dancehall era, trying his turn at the sound system mic in the late 80's and early 90's, his music always retained the conscious, cultural feel of the previous generation and his sound prefigured the coming roots revival.
Jahmali sang for King Jammy and Xterminator's Fatis Burrell before achieving success with numerous songs, including "I Am On A Mission" and "Wake Up" for Donovan Germain's Penthouse label; "Victory" for Barry O'Hare's X-Rated label and "Lightning, Brimstone and Fire" for Bobby Digital's Digital B Records (also released as Brick Wall). The top class singer continued with a series of impressive singles such as, "Must Win" (John John, 1994), "Rock My Soul" (Fashion, 1996), "Left Nor Right" (Black Scorpio, 1998) and many more. A duet with Buju Banton called “Mother’s Cry” was featured on the latter's Grammy-nominated album "Inna Heights" in 1997.
Notably, Jahmali's first album, "El Shaddai" (Penthouse, 1998), featured top singles like "21st Century," "Cry People" and "Real Issues,” alongside message tunes including "Dry Bones," "Politics" and the uncompromising title track “El Shaddai.” The singer's sophomore album "Treasure Box" (Brickwall, 2000), produced by Bobby Digital, was a musically charged follow up. It featured songs like “Every Man’s Burden,” "Never Let A Good Thing Go," "Be Not Afraid" and "Expect A Fight." He also shared a combination album with Yami Bolo called "Forces of Nature Volume Two" (Brickwall, 2002).
Jahmali toured extensively and continued to record, dropping 45's including "Love Sweeter Everytime" (Harmony House Productions, 2001), "Let Love This Time" (Gargamel, 2000), "Ghetto Youth" (Kickin, 2001), "Poor Man's Strength" (Fireball), "Face the Challenge (Psalms, 2002), "Give Thanks and Praises" (Cali Bud) and "Only Love" for Mikey Spice's Ingredience label, among many others.
In 2010, Jahmali released a self produced mixed tape entitled “Sounds With Purpose,” which was peppered with original themes on original roots riddims, showcasing his ability to tread unfamiliar territory. 2014 saw the talented crooner drop a full-length album called, “We I Open” on the Reggaeland label. Here you find an artist whose youthful promise is fulfilled and message matured and refined. "We I Open" featured the unique and engaging artist in his prime. With a sound and style as innovative in all of reggae as it was when he first came on the scene, Jahmali has positioned himself to carry the torch of a long line of classic Reggae artists from Bob Marley and Dennis Brown to his contemporary Garnet Silk. The singer brings his thoughtful and engaging brand forward with each exhilirating release.
Sought after by producers around the world, the humbled Jahmali has remained in the spotlight, releasing numerous singles, which hit the market strong following "We I Open." Those garnering the respect of worldwide listeners include songs like “Done Deal,” “Real Life,” “Wings,” “Made For A Woman,” “Guiding Star,” “Ready Done” (Mindset Riddim), “Retribution,” “Still The King” (Galaxy Soundstation), “Raindrops are Falling” (NONI Music) and more!
In March 2023, Jahmali has returned with "Pleasant Place," his first studio album in nine years. The powerhouse artist takes listeners on an unprecedented 17-track musical journey on the new album from his Roaring Ras imprint, which embodies themes of empowerment and spirituality.
Positively-fueled messages match the roaring vocals of the international artist, who unquestionably shifts the direction of Reggae music on this explosive project. Boasting elements of Roots, Rock, and Reggae, the expertly curated "Pleasant Place" is a meaningful body of work bound to impact the masses for years to come. There is a huge buzz surrounding "Pleasant Place," which is out now across digital platforms.
