IJAHKNOWAH 678 8879126 [email protected]

IJAHKNOWAH was born in the Parish of St. Thomas in , located in the Blue Mountains region. IJAH, as he is affectionally called, comes from a family with immense musical talent. His inherited passion for music caused him to listen attentively to his favorite artists such as Peter Tosh, (Culture), , Count Ossie, Mystic Revelation of , Nina Simone, Gill Scott Heron and . He was further influenced by his native music “Mento and Pocomania”. IJAH’s first public performance was at the Jamaica’s Agricultural Society Benefit Concert where he performed his own rendition of “Many Rivers to Cross” by Jimmy Cliff. IJAHKNOWAH closely identifies himself with many of ’s beliefs and teachings and has remained a true loyal Pan Africanist. IJAH has always aspired to become a recording artist with a special message. He began writing his lyrics between the late 70’s and early 80’s. He migrated to the United States in Chicago in 1987 and became the renown lead singer for ‘Equal Rights Band’. A short time after he founded ‘Natural Force Band’. IJAHKNOWAH moved to Atlanta in 1998 to produce his first recorded single “Down in Jamaica”, followed by “Free your mind” and “This is the day”, a collaboration with Messenger Selah and Ras Ijel. In 2013 he recorded an album with the legendary Dennis (Jah D) Fearon. In 2013 he formed ‘IJAHKNOWAH AN B R A P’ band.

IJAHKNOWAH 678 8879126 [email protected]

His live performances in Atlanta includes but not limited to The HEALTH AND WELLNESS REGGAE MUSIC FESTIVAL, Outdoor Reggae Concert Series, Tribute, Award, “Conscious Reggae Concert” (CRC) Series, Juneteenth, Jerkfest. IJAHKNOWAH’s songs offer lyrical content to promote healing, uplifting of self, education and empowerment of African people all across the diaspora.