Five Questions With Jah9

A deeply spiritual reggae singer, Jah9 is still enjoying the excitement from her debut UK tour, which ended in the final week of November 2018. She revealed that she has spent the latter part of last year in studio working on her upcoming 2019 album. “I have had many memorable experiences over the past year, but the London show that was hosted at the Subterania would probably be the most unforgettable – there was so much positive vibes,” she toldThe Gleaner. “Overall, the tour was a very enlightening one. It is good when an artiste can have a tour where they feel well-supported at every single show,” Jah9 said.

Most who have met her or had the opportunity to participate in one of her Yoga on Dub sessions would describe Jah9, born Janine Cunningham, with one word – ‘mystical’. She even launched a YouTube series called Yoga on Dub TV, and today we learn a little more about the singer inFive Questions with ... .

How were you introduced to yoga, and did that start your music career?

I had already started out in the music industry when I was given the opportunity to train as a yoga teacher. I first did Iyengar, then later I practised ashtanga, and more recently, I was exposed to and certified in kemetic yoga.

“It wasn’t a person who directly introduced me to yoga, it was through television. But a sistren, Sabriya, who practised in Kingston, referred a yoga class to me. It got me really excited, and in about 2010, my training started with Subhadra of Yoga Angels. I have been just training ever since – at least once a year in my original disciplines.

It is an incredible thing to immerse yourself in a discipline like yoga; it can be very rewarding for personal health – both body and mind. Yoga on Dub TV is definitely a vision I want to continue. Because I tour so much, it makes it difficult to put content together, but for 2019, I will be putting out more instructional content.

You habitually speak about self-exploration. Is this what you want listeners to take from your albums?

For the listeners of my album9, I would hope it encourages self-exploration, but more so for my sisters – to encourage and inspire them to see themselves, and that the words instill strength, especially sisters who have dealt with trauma. For my brothers, I want it to inspire them to be the best version of themselves for their communities. My past albums and those to come are encouraging works in exploring the metaphysical realities that make a person special.

Are you satisfied with the progression of your career since your debut album ‘New Name’ in 2013?

I would say yes. I am also satisfied with my life because I have expanded in all different areas of my development as a human. It is something that I am grateful for.

Do you consider yourself a social activist or a lyrical warrior?

Throughout my life, my involvement in service groups, or even forming them, has earned me the title of an activist, but it is truly because I see where there is a need and fill it. My father is a pastor, and my mother is a social worker, so I grew up with the thinking that a person is to serve their community however they can, even musically.

I don’t support a specific charity, but I think it is a personal responsibility, and I don’t always post the things I do. But my work is evolving. With that said, my personal goals for 2019 include releasing my next album, which comes as part of a wider mission for me. You can determine that by the type of music I make. I will be sharing the music, connecting with the people more, and whether through yoga or serving through the arts, it will be about serving the community.

What music are you currently listening to?

The music I am listening to right now is Little Roy – this veteran reggae artiste, original foundation writer and Rastafari elder. [He] put out a new album recently, and to hear him still making potent lyrical content – simple and profound – that is a testament to longevity. I am also tuned into roots dub and instrumentals, and if we are stretching the list a little more, other musicians like Harry Moodie, Mad Professor, King Tubby and Jah Shaka.