Jah9 is a multidisciplinary artist, certified yoga instructor, producer, poet, social scientist, and cultural curator whose unique fusion of consciousness, mysticism, and musical mastery has captivated audiences worldwide. Trained in Kemetic, Ashtanga, and Iyengar yoga methods, Jah9 encourages her live audiences to pause, breathe deeply, and feel empowered—a reflection of her profound spiritual philosophy.
Emerging from the realms of poetry, dub, and spiritual awareness, Jah9 embodies a powerful feminine energy that resonates within a universal grassroots movement of consciousness. Her musical style, which she dubs "Jazz on Dub," combines the open spaces and hypnotic rhythms of 1970s Jamaican roots reggae with hard-hitting lyrical prowess and soul-stirring vocal clarity.
Born Janine Cunningham in the rural town of Falmouth, Jamaica, Jah9 was raised in a home shaped by her preacher father and social worker mother. College life introduced her to Rastafarians, dub, and roots reggae, and she adopted her childhood nickname, Jah9, as her stage name. She became a fixture on Jamaica’s progressive poetry scene, and her demos eventually caught the attention of renowned producer Sheldon Bernard and legendary artist Beres Hammond. This led to her signing with Don Corleone Records in 2010, where she released tracks like “Warning” and “Keep Holding On.”
Jah9’s breakthrough came in 2013 with the track "Brothers," which was paired with Chronixx's “Smile Jamaica” on a split single. Her debut album, New Name, followed, landing on Rory "Stone Love" Gilligan's label. The success continued with the release of the Singles compilation in 2014, and in 2016, she joined the VP label, releasing her full-length album 9. Her most recent album, Notes to Self, was released in 2020, further solidifying her position as one of reggae's most distinctive voices.
Now, Jah9 returns with her latest single, "Match," a sultry neo-reggae soul track that explores themes of love, attraction, self-expression, and connection. Produced by J.L.L., the song is a key part of her Open Heart Project, and its stunning video—intentionally conceptualized and scripted by Jah9 herself—invites viewers into a world of sensuality, vulnerability, and deep human connection. "Match" is the first in a series of storytelling visuals designed to showcase Jah9’s multidimensional artistry and vision.
Her raw, hypnotic vocals, often compared to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Erykah Badu, transcend genre, inviting listeners of all backgrounds to experience the magic of Jah9’s music. As Greg Tate of the Black Rock Coalition puts it, her work fulfills a promise of expansive maturity, prophetic purpose, and warrior-goddess prowess. Jah9 is truly one of Jamaica’s best-kept secrets no longer hidden—her musical journey continues to evolve with depth, power, and timeless relevance.
LOOK FOR JAH9 IN THE U.S. IN 2025
Jah9:
http://www.jah9.com
|