JR is a reggae singer/songwriter born in Sierra Leone and has been residing in the US since 1989. While attending high school, he joined a reggae band where he honed his skills. During a vacation to Sierra Leone in 2004, JR recorded two tracks “Rise Up Sa Lone” and “Gonna Miss You” featuring the Jungle Leaders, a talented group of guys with conscious reggae vibes. These two songs were featured on Jungle Leader’s “Same Soup” Album released in 2005.

Jamati: Firstly more light to you for gracing the Jamati tree with your light and welcome.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Jamati: In the music industry as a whole where the Reggae gendre doesnt really rank tops, what influenced you to pursue the journey of a Reggae artist?

It’s the great reggae legends like Bob Marley and Lucky Dube that I grew up listening to that awakened the reggae artist in me . I love reggae music.

Jamati: Your debut album  title “Born Sierra Leonean“, what statement where you trying to reinforce seeing that it is clearly known that you are a  son of the Sierra Leonean soil?

Basically I was freeing my message to my fans about how much I love where I’m from. It doesn’t matter long I have been away from home; My heart will always carry me back there where my name is written in its soil.

Jamati: Walk us through your current album “Here to Stay“?

Despite the album being about multiple issues that people go through in life, ”Here to Stay” is basically me freeing my faith and my belief that no matter what trials and tribulations I may come encounter, I’m “Here to Stay”. The album is also about bringing people together and reminding them to never forget to stay grounded. On the lighter side of things though, “Here to Stay” is, in many ways, a love album and that would explain why the release date is schedule for the 14 of February (The Love Day).

Jamati: Name the biggest influences from your path?

Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, and Marcus Garvey etc.

Jamati: What are some of the challenges that you face as an African reggae artist in a industry that caters more to pop, R&B and hip-hop artists ?

Basically getting air play from radio stations and the reduced support received from people because of [their] lack of interest and understanding.

Jamati: Care to share your personal favorite quote?

“Always look at the glass half full and always believe that things will get better”

Jamati: Most of your songs echo profound messages, which song would you say was the most heart-felt when you were recording it?

It has to be “Here to Stay” because it emerged from an era of hardship from people letting me down, not so successful gigs, non-existing support, and lack of understanding from some people who I have shared my music with. The song was a reminder to me to always remember that nothing is given to any one. In life one has to be a go-getter no matter how many times the doors gets shut in their faces. Eventually there is bound to be that one door that will open.

Jamati: November 4th marked itself as an era where the word “impossible” was silenced. What link does your song “Rise Up ” have to this profound era?

The song sends out a message to the people about how they should rise up and play their part in bettering they surroundings. I would have to say the link between the two would have to be the fact that the song, and the November 4th victory, are both  about change and positivity from many different angles.

Jamati: Any new projects emerging?

Well, right now the main project is my album titled “Here to Stay” that is due for release on Valentine’s day, and available on ITunes and on my website.

Jamati: Your “SLMTV Best Reggae Male Artist 2008″ award, what does it represent?

A validation of hard work being paid off.

Jamati: Lastly please share with us what the Children’s Rights Council of Sierra Leone (CRCSL) is all about because I understand you are the President and the main driving force behind its success?

JR:  Yes I am the President of the CRCSLE which stands for Children’s Rights Council of Sierra Leone, a non-profit organization based in America that helped donate food and clothing to refugee camps in Sierra Leone after the war.  We continue to help poor kids with needed resources now.

Jamati: Thank you for sharing, and blessings be upon you.

Blessings to you, Jamati team, and thank you.