Zamunda’s Story

Posted on March 17, 2024 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Zamunda, whose birth name is Christopher Gayle, was born in the vibrant hills of Seville Heights, St. Ann, Jamaica. From the tender age of seven, when he penned his very first song, There is Only Love, it became apparent that he was headed for musical greatness, and by the time he turned sixteen, music had become an integral part of his life.

The following statement from Zamunda encapsulates his passion for the art form. “Music has been a part of my life from birth as I have been deejaying from the age of five in my community and other places in Jamaica. I realized that I could sing at the age of 19, and I then decided that I would sing rather than deejay. Music is really what I want and love. I enjoy entertaining people from all over. I want to take reggae to the world.”

Initially starting as a deejay, Zamunda transitioned to singing in his late teens when he realized the gruff toasting style was taking a toll on his voice. He had a stutter, a speech impediment that vanished when he sang. As such, friends urged him to let his voice do the talking, and he took their advice to heart.

Zamunda‘s blend of reggae and R&B, enriched by his resonant baritone, delivered a powerful message of love and justice. His signature song, Jah Love Surround Me, catapulted him to stardom in 2011, and a string of hits followed: One People, Still A Pray fi Dem, Working 9-5, Science Dem A Work, Talk and Stutter, Badda Dan Dem, Forever Loving Jah, and Cyaan Program Me. In 2017, Zamunda digitally released his self-produced debut album, Scripts and Scrolls, setting the stage for a promising career. After the release he didn’t stay idle, he then gave the world Paradise on Earth in 2020, further establishing his artistry.

2021 was a turning point for Zamunda. After losing a sound-clash to Popcaan, he sought collaboration. Together with Dre Island, they remixed Jah Love Surround Me, and it skyrocketed on the international scene. Live On, Running from Love, Valley, and Protection came after, making him a global reggae sensation.

In 2023, Zamunda unveiled his latest masterpiece, Jah Love Surround Me, a live studio album where every instrument resonates in perfect harmony. This album features legendary artists Capleton, Christopher Martin, Popcaan, Anthony B, and Jah Cure. From there he went on to drop a fresh new single called Chill Pill.

Throughout his journey, Zamunda has graced the stages of Island Explosion, Full Clip, Sting, Tivoli Jamboree, and Reggae Sumfest, to name a few, leaving audiences mesmerized with his lyrical prowess and infectious vibes. “Ah just Jah works, I will continue to do the music and feed the souls and minds of the people,” he humbly professes. Indeed, Jah’s love continues to surround him, guiding Zamunda on his mission to bring the heart and soul of reggae to every corner of the globe.

H.U.R.T.’s Story

Posted on March 3, 2024 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Born in Southern California, H.U.R.T. has embodied the west coast style of music and culture since his first song. Growing up in a broken home and not receiving the guidance and/or love that he needed drove him to the streets, ultimately resulting in his gang banging. Being raised in church but maturing in the streets created the spiritually laced, lyrical, intellectual gangsta rap style that he’s become known for. Headlining countless shows and opening up for a number of hip-hop’s major artists, H.U.R.T. began to gain notoriety around the nation. In 2009 he released his debut album, The Pray-Lewd, as he began to transition from being a gang banger who rapped, to a businessman who happened to be from a gang.

In 2010 he began recording his 2nd album called H.U.R.T., which was scheduled to be his debut to the mainstream industry due to the professional relationships he’d acquired after releasing The Pray-Lewd. By 2011 the album was done and while in the midst of filming a documentary and meeting with labels he gave his life to Christ. H.U.R.T. then deleted his music catalog and footage throwing himself into the ministry and gave up rapping. God had other plans, and in 2014 the Lord called him back to music, but this time it was for ministry instead of his own selfish ambitions. Giving 14 years to the streets and gangs created a passion to make music centered on ministering to those in the same situations that God had delivered him from.

In 2015 he was ordained as a pastor, a calling and office which fuels every move in and out of CHH genre. 2016 saw the debut of H.U.R.T. as a Christian hip-hop artist with the release of his single God’s Love along with a thought-provoking video. He continues to release music under the label and ministry RPH (Royal Priest Hood), and has ministered either in music or outreach (shows) with artists such as Bizzle, GS, Datin, Sevin, Illuminate, Dontae, Faith Pettis, Q’Heem, Eshon Burgundy, No Malice, Thi’sl, Bryann Trejo, and more. H.U.R.T. is ministry-minded, powered by the Holy Spirit, and believes that music ministry should embody the best of both worlds: great music and the Kingdom of God!

A Love Story

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Alwayne Love is one of reggae music’s best-kept secrets. After having two breakout singles many years ago under the moniker J Love, and then subsequently taking a long hiatus from the industry, Alwayne is back!

Born Jermaine Alwayne Love in St. Mary, Jamaica, he – in consultation with his new management team – opted to change his artist name from the former J Love to now Alwayne Love. A native of Broadgate, a small district in the aforementioned parish, Alwayne had a difficult childhood, one that unfortunately involved deeply distressing experiences. As a result, he was raised by his biological mother and stepfather, as well as with foster parents. His academic achievements were attained at Broadgate Basic, Mahoe Hill Primary, and St. Mary High School. Sadly, he did not complete the latter.

With all that he had to deal with at home, young Alwayne spent a lot of time at the local church, which is where he first started singing. In fact, he credits the word of God coupled with his childhood trauma and rejection as his main sources of inspiration. And although he is most known for performing reggae and dancehall tunes, he has made it clear that he has, and will continue to include gospel and inspirational music in his catalogue.

As he steps back into the music industry, Alwayne Love is coming with the very thing that has allowed him to work with Gyptian, Box Lunch Production, Tad’s International, and other credible artists and labels; good music. His come back tune, which will be released shortly, is a nostalgic reggae song called Africa The Motherland.

Alwayne Love is now under the management of Mark Burke of T25 Records.

Miriam Simone’s Story

Posted on January 21, 2024 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Miriam Simone is a recording artist and producer who resides in The Netherlands despite her Surinamese roots.

Although it is known by everyone close to her that she enjoys various musical genres: hip-hop, R&B, kaseko, gospel, reggae, soul etc., and that her favorite artists list includes several performers of differing styles: Etana, Aretha Franklin, Dezarie, Mary J Blige, Israël Vibration, Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, and the I Threes, many years ago Miriam decidedly chose to embark on a career as a roots-reggae vocalist.

As such, in 2009 she co-founded Dredda Records. She has since released a number of singles, one of which is her Jah Decko produced hit song, Almighty, which eventually ended up on her 2012 EP Follow my Dreams. That project also features collaborations with Fyah King and Jah Melody, as well as two productions by accomplished Jamaican creator Bobby Digital.

She followed up with her first full-length studio album in 2015. Published via her own imprint, the LP, titled Mount Zion, includes her other hits: Mount Zion, Rivers, and the big combination done with Lutan Fyah, His Kingdom Arise.

After a successful album launch in Jamaica, and having conducted studio sessions with Bobby Digital for her second LP, Miriam Simone shared Ämsterdam Revival a few years later, in February, 2020. On Amsterdam Revival she also worked with producers Sheldon ‘Calibud’ Stewart, Everton ‘Caveman’ Moore, DJ KAT, Mr Patze, and DJ Jacko. She was also able to score additional collaborations with Queen Omega, Sizzla and Capleton.

In 2021 she shared two singles: Higher Heights and It is time; both are collaborative efforts done with Jah Works and Zen Social Production. The track Keep Hailing King Rastafari came after, with an official video which was shot in Jamaica. While on the island she connected with Earl Chinna Smith and the Binghystra. Miriam Simone’s latest single – Stop the Shooting – released on the Sound System Club label in November 2023, came from a number of recording sessions done with London-based producer Paul Scott, a protégé of dub legend Osbourne ‘King Tubby’ Ruddock.

Most of Miriam Simone’s songs touch on social issues, black empowerment, upliftment and unity. Things that are considered to be the cornerstones of authentic roots-reggae music.

When she is not singing in the studio or on stage, Miriam Simone is usually hard at work on the radio. Since 2018, she has hosted a popular reggae radio program in Amsterdam called Sweet Meditation on Radio RAZO. It addresses various issues such as spiritual enlightenment, mental freedom, and black history, while also playing a lot of conscious reggae music centered on spirituality, healing and love.

Kurtiouss’ Story

Posted on January 1, 2024 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Ricardo Wray, known publicly as Kurtiouss, is a singer, songwriter and lyrical deejay (sing-jay) who hails from a small district called Hesse Cassel in the parish of St. Ann (Jamaica).

Following in the footsteps of his father, and much like other members of his family, Kurtiouss fell in love with music at a very young age. His passion for beats, melodies, and organized words became evident when he relocated to Kingston to attend school. It is there that he became fascinated with the local sound systems, and really began toying with the idea of pursuing a career as a recording artist. His desires intensified when he started doing dubplates for sounds in and around his community.

He frequently visited and performed at RJR Radio Station, as well as at the Colgate Cavity Fighters Club, which was a popular program designed for youths at the time. However, as he grew, so did the stages he would perform on. That said, he has entertained crowds at Asylum, Cactus Night Club, and other established venues. He has also shared the stage with several top-tier artists, with one of his fondest memories being his performance at Delly Ranx‘s birthday party.

To date, Kurtiouss has released one full-length studio album – Calling in February, 2020 – and a number of singles. Inspired by veteran performers like Garnett Silk, Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, and General Degree, Kurtiouss‘ music can be aptly described as refreshing, positive, inspirational, and authentic. Authentic because he is not trying to sound like, or be like anyone else.

Kurtiouss‘ goal is simply to use his music to spread love, inspire, and entertain people, globally.

Ariel Fitz-Patrick’s Story

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Ariel Fitz-Patrick, a talented singer, accomplished songwriter, and prolific digital content creator, hails from the vibrant city of Montreal, Canada. With an unwavering passion for music and social media, Ariel has carved out a unique niche in the digital landscape, captivating audiences worldwide with her charismatic online persona.

Born and raised in the culturally rich tapestry of Montreal where she graduated with honours from Vanier College with a diploma in Commerce, Ariel Fitz-Patrick’s creative journey has been deeply influenced by her eclectic surroundings. From a young age, she exhibited a natural flair for storytelling and expression, eventually leading her to explore the worlds of music and content creation.

Ariel’s online presence has blossomed on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, where she has affectionately adopted the moniker “Ariel Fitz.” Her content showcases her remarkable ability to blend humour, creativity, and spirituality seamlessly. Through her engaging skits and videos, Ariel masterfully conveys the profound messages of the Bible in a relatable and entertaining manner, making age-old wisdom accessible to a diverse and modern audience.

In just over two years, Ariel Fitz’s digital footprint has grown exponentially, amassing a devoted following of over 4 million individuals across her social media channels. This meteoric rise is a testament to her unique talent for connecting with people, fostering a global community that eagerly anticipates her every upload.

Beyond her digital persona, Ariel Fitz-Patrick is a gifted singer-songwriter pouring her heart and soul into her music. In the summer of 2023, the singer was officially signed to the major U.S. recording label Captiol Christian Music Group in conjunction with Motown Gospel. Her melodic compositions and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply with her fans, offering a musical experience that complements her dynamic online presence.

Ariel’s creative journey is a testament to the power of passion, authenticity, and a genuine desire to connect with others. Her work not only entertains but also inspires, reminding us that the age-old wisdom of the Bible can be made relevant and enjoyable for a new generation.

As Ariel Fitz-Patrick continues to make her mark in digital content creation and music, her journey promises to inspire aspiring creators and be a beacon of positivity and enlightenment for her ever-growing community of followers.

Victory Boyd’s Story

Posted on December 17, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Victory‘s eclectic singing and songwriting output draws on the soul, jazz, folk, and gospel music she learned growing up as a performer in family groups including Infinity Song. Possessing a distinctively rich, honeyed rasp, she made her solo recording debut on Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation label with the EP It’s a New Dawn in 2017. She followed it with the warm, soul-injected adult pop of her full-length debut, 2018’s The Broken Instrument. After working with Kanye West during sessions for his 2019 album, Jesus Is King, she returned with a more ambitious and spiritual solo album, Glory Hour (2023), which included spoken recitations, electronics, and a more devoted gospel bearing.

Victory Elyse Boyd is one of nine siblings who grew up singing in the Boys & Girls Choir of Detroit, a group founded by her father, John Boyd. Victory started performing with the choir at the age of four. She later studied jazz guitar. The family moved from Detroit to North Bergen, New Jersey when she was 12, and they started busking together under various monikers, including Peace Industry Music Group, at New York City tourist attractions and subway platforms. The family eventually became known for appearing regularly in the Minton Tile Arcade next to Bethesda Fountain, a spot favored for its acoustics.

An offshoot of the group, Infinity Song, was formed by Victory with her older brother Abraham and younger sister Angel. Sometimes adding other members of the family to the lineup, Infinity Song rose to national prominence in 2015 after pop singer Tori Kelly came across them one day in Central Park. Kelly joined in, an event captured on video by a fan, which led to an appearance by Kelly and Infinity Song on the ABC morning show The View. Also in 2015, Peace Industry Music Group released Infinity Song‘s eponymous debut LP. A year later, the family performed for Jay-Z, who quickly signed them to his Roc Nation label.

Drawing some comparisons to idol Nina Simone for both her unusual voice and jazzy proclivities, Victory made her solo debut in 2017 with the Roc Nation-issued EP It’s a New Dawn. The title was taken from her favorite line in Simone‘s song “Feeling Good,” which she covered on the release. With production by hip-hop artist 9th Wonder, Victory‘s warm full-length debut, The Broken Instrument, followed in 2018. While mostly self-produced, it involved an array of collaborators, among them her father, Jon Batiste, and horn and string sections.

Victory soon accepted an invitation to work with Kanye West on material for his 2019 album, Jesus Is King, ultimately earning a songwriting credit on “Closed for Sunday.” (The song “Glory” featuring Boyd was recorded but not included on the album.) Inspired by the experience to take more chances, her next album was a more artful one that included spoken word segments, atmospheric electronics, and more passionate, gospel-minded performances. Produced by Kaleb Moten, who also co-wrote some of the songs, Glory Hour arrived on Roc Nation in May 2023.

^{Written by Marcy Donelson}