Singer/songwriter Nhojj broke another barrier when his gay music video “Love” reached # 1 on MTV Music Top 100 chart. Last year Nhojj made OUTMusic Awards history when he became the first black male to win an OMA. The Alliance of LGBT Recording Artists & Performers voted his ballad “Love” 2009 OUTStanding R&B/Soul song of the year.
“Nhojj has been delivering high-quality jazzy soul for nearly a decade. Soul Sessions congratulates soul singer Nhojj for being a Black history and a gay history first!” – BET/Centric TV
“Congratulations on making history.” – The Advocate
“Love” appears on the Nhojj compilation “Love Songs” and the 2x Velocity nominated “Soul Comfort.” It features keyboardist Carl Evans (Stevie Wonder, Barry White); David Stark on Guitar (Rick James & Teena Marie); Tommy Aros on percussion (Luis Miguel); and is mastered by by Robert Honablue, whose Gold and Platinum credits include Santana, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, and Miles Davis.
The official music video for “Love” was featured at 2010 Sundance Film Festival Queer Lounge, and is on MTV and VH1. Unlike current R&B music videos, it is the sensitive reflection of 2 male college students who feel a mutual attraction toward each other. Director Kirk Shannon-Butts spliced scenes from his highly acclaimed indie film "Blueprint,” which screened at 2008 Cannes International Film Festival, and footage of Nhojj as the angel of love. "I believe love is for everyone... homosexual and heterosexual" Nhojj explains, "One day soon our world will acknowledge this simple truth."
In 2004, Nhojj's sophomore CD “Someday Peace Love & Freedom” was nominated for OUTStanding New Male Recording, and won Best Musical Performance at the Homo Hip-Hop Poetry Jam Fresh Fruit Festival. Songs on that album covered issues ranging from homelessness to homophobia. Nhojj chose "Fighting for Love," an original composition about a warrior fighting against ignorance and hatred, to perform at that year's special OMA Nominee showcase.
Over the years Nhojj has contributed his gifts to MTV's Pos or not, ALSURA, Lifebeat (HIV/AIDS), Gay by God Campaign, Lesbian Domestic Violence, Drug Rehabilitation, National Disability Awareness, September 11th Concerts, THAW (Theaters Against War), Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration, Earth Day Celebrations, Gay Prides and LGBT high school students.
In almost a decade of creating innovative music, Nhojj has released 6 CDs and an unplugged live DVD filmed by Emmy nominated director Bill Cote. He has performed at Lincoln Center, and toured the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom.
Music from his 2001 debut “I've Been Waiting for You” was featured at the International Fringe Festival in the Award-winning play "The Making of the Black Man.” His 2005 gospel CD “John Martinborough Coming Home,” is a dedication to his mother, and features the work of Sam Archer (Barbershop Soundtrack). Last year, Nhojj released Karaoke Vol. 1 which includes the instrumental tracks to all his CDs.
Nhojj grew up in Guyana and Trinidad , where he performed for the Presidents of both countries. The son of a church minister, he began singing in church at the age of 5, but didn't embark on a career in music until after graduating from NYU with a BA in Economics. Nhojj stays connected to his Caribbean roots and has performed "Love" at the Barbados Music Awards and Guyana Fashion Weekend.
NY Carib News Entertainment Editor Walter Greene, host of GFW concluded “Nhojj is on the cusp of becoming a household name.”
Love Crooner, Soul Soother, Barrier Breaker...Nhojj you are officially The Lime certified!
Q&A
1. Can you describe your perfect day?
My perfect day would have to include creating music – I love writing and recording (especially harmonies). It would also have to include meditation, yoga and a good workout. I would want to get some reading done, preferably on a beach or by a fireplace. I'd have a great vocal and guitar practice session, enjoy some good Caribbean food and have a great conversation with good friends. And the most importantly I would be able to keep my thoughts focused on what is important and feel happy and content all day.
2. If you could have super human powers, what would they be and why?
Oh wow - I would be able to think things into existence – I could do a lot of good for myself and for this globe.
3. What is your most prized piece of art or décor?
An African mask my sister gave me from her trip in Africa.
4. What do you like most about your Caribbean heritage?
We are a colorful people. Our personalities are colorful, our culture is colorful, our music is colorful, our clothing is colorful, our laughter is colorful, our skin is colorful – every color in the spectrum is here and it is beautiful.
5. If you could spy on anyone who would it be and why?
I would want to spy on Nelson Mandela while he was in prison, because I would want to know what he did to stay motivated and inspired when there was no visible reason for hope. I want to know what he was thinking, cause that is where he changed South Africa and the world – he had to see it first in prison, before the world could see it.
6. What is the craziest thing you have done in the name of love?
I wrote quite a few love songs.
7. Can you name your top 5 artists not including yourself?
*Citizen Cope,
*Cassandra Wilson,
*Michael Jackson,
*Bobby McFerrin,
*Bob Marley.
8. Weird fan moment. Ever had one?
I've been fortunate, I've only had good experiences with my fans.
9. Can you name one action sport you would like to try?
Marshal arts.
10. What is your favorite:
indulgence = books and music
type of movie = inspiring and gay & lesbian
animal = dogs
person to hangout with = anyone who is positive
thing to wear to bed = nothing:)
Go With Your Gut
11. Fast food or soul food?
Soul Food
12. Beach or river?
Beach
13. Knowledge or wisdom?
Wisdom
14. Mac or PC?
Mac
15. Blue or yellow?
Blue
Finish It
16. I never knew the power of our thoughts
17. When I was 16, I graduated from high school
18. Condoms are an unfortunate necessity
19. Everyday I repeat affirmations
20. Nhojj thanks The Lime for allowing me to share my life with you:)
Clcik HERE to read how Nhojj deals with being a Star on the Rise!
Nhojj.com
myspace.com/nhojj
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