Ajamu

 

 

 

 

One 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 entertainers 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.

 

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.