Jahdon / Reggae Festival Guide Interview - Reasoning bout “i”
• What made you choose the stage name Jahdon?
My middle name is Doniel, nickname Dandy. I am also from the parish of Clarendon in Jamaica. My original stage name was DJ Don, however to myself I was more of Singjay than a hardcore DJ. A cousin of mine coined the term “Jahdon” and it fit well.
• Why did you choose to pursue music?
I can honestly say that music chose me. I had early exposure to music through my hometown, Canaan Heights. I would hear local sound systems like Syntex, Ruler Force & Jah Bless playing. Growing up I saw a lot of DJs and stage shows. As a youth from the ghetto in a single mother household, music was within my reach. I didn't have the resources to pursue sports and other activities like my peers, however i had my voice and a passion for melody and i tell myself that i'm going to use it to change my mom’s life.
• What kind of music do you listen to?
Jamaica is a musical oasis and not just for Reggae and Dancehall; every genre is played on the island. So I am inspired by a lot of local and international sounds. 3 artists that deeply inspire i are the 2 great Bobs: Bob Andy & Bob Marley, also Peter Tosh.
• Explain the symbolism in the artwork for “i” single
The artwork for “i” is a collaborative concept between i and sketch artist Ras Ato. The story behind the symbolism is that it is a 2-dimensional depiction of “i”...myself, Jahdon. The 5 point star represents my body. The pyramid literally means “fire in the middle” and is a symbol for my mind. The 3rd eye is a spiritual tool, which we all have, whether or not one wants to acknowledge that. The ankh is the symbol life and represents the male and female principle. These are universal symbols of life, Jahdon uses them to empower. H.I.M. Haile Selassie & Empress Menen I represent the power of balance which is necessary to sustain life.
• What inspired the song “i” and where were you when you wrote it?
This song was written for my Empress. i don't deal with Romeo & Juliet. i emulate the most divine & natural love story in creation...the synchronous crowning of H.I.M. Haile Selassie & Empress Menen I. As a man and leader, knowing my Empress is the root & backbone to i & i movement...i & i proudly salute every queen, every champion, every empress out there with this song. I wrote it in 2020 during the global lockdown.
• What is your 5 year goal?
To build a more effective marketing team. Reggae music is an underdeveloped industry but it has the most potent & conscious messages. My generation has a duty to see Reggae music flourish to its highest potential. I intend on having my own band, having a stronger network, building my label Look Ya Noww Entertainment and creating the Jahdon Foundation. I will continue to build on what I’ve already been doing. I am not afraid to make mistakes, I never make fear stop me from making moves. I’m invested in building a strong legacy.
• What makes you unique?
The struggle of my environment. Not having access to resources so i always have to be creative with what i have to tell my story. The way i tell my story makes me unique. I don't write pen to paper, I medz. I am not an emotional person on a day-to-day basis but through my music that’s how I channel my feelings. I am very stubborn, I like to do things my way. So I'm not afraid to break rules. I am not afraid to ruffle feathers with my truth. I'm not afraid to say the things that people are thinking. My honesty makes me unique and I channel that also into my music.
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