Jonathan Emile facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jonathan Emile
Emile during a recording session in 2019
Background information
Birth name	Jonathan Whyte Potter-Mäl
Also known as	Jon E
Born	(1986-02-19) February 19, 1986 (age 39) Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Origin	Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica
Genres	Conscious hip hop reggae R&B spoken word hip hop soul
Occupation(s)	Rapper poet singer-songwriter record producer
Years active	2009–present
Labels	Mindpeacelove Tuff Gong
Associated acts	Denis Brott The Franco Proietti Morph-tet Kalmunity Vibe Collective Paul Cargnello

Jonathan Whyte Potter-Mäl (born February 19, 1986), known as Jonathan Emile or Jon E, is a talented Jamaican Canadian singer, rapper, and music producer. He is also a cancer survivor. In October 2015, he released his first big album, The Lover/Fighter Document LP. This album mixes different music styles like hip hop, reggae, jazz, and R&B.

His first reggae album, Spaces-in-Between, came out in January 2020. It was released through his own music label, MindPeaceLove, and Tuff Gong.

Life and Music Journey

Early Life and Overcoming Cancer

Jonathan Whyte Potter-Mäl was born on February 19, 1986. He grew up in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His father is Canadian and American, and his mother is Jamaican. He went to Selwyn House School and finished in 2003.

Emile also trained at a youth program called the Black Theatre Workshop in Montreal. While he was getting treatment for cancer and after, he learned a lot about making music. He taught himself how to produce songs and compose music. He also took singing lessons and learned to play the guitar and keyboard.

When Jonathan was 18, doctors found out he had rhabdomyosarcoma. This is a serious and fast-growing type of cancer. For two years, he went through tough treatments. He had one year of chemotherapy and then radiation.

During this time, he used his special way of thinking called "Mindpeacelove". He kept making music even when he was in the hospital. He finished his treatments in December 2005. By December 2010, he was completely free of cancer.

First Albums and Performances (2009–2018)

Jonathan Emile started his own music label called MindPeaceLove Ent. He wanted it to be a place to help new artists. He also wanted to keep making his own music through his label.

In 2009, he released his first collection of songs, The Lover/Fighter Document EP. In 2013, he performed on stage for the first time in a musical. It was the Broadway show Ain't Misbehavin' in Montreal. People really liked his performance.

On October 9, 2015, Emile released his full album, The Lover/Fighter Document LP. This album mixes reggae, jazz, R&B, and electro-pop sounds. Famous artists like Kendrick Lamar, Murs, and Buckshot worked with him on this album. Jonathan also toured and performed songs from this album while studying at McGill University. He released "Heaven Help Dem" with Kendrick Lamar as the first song from the album.

His second album, Phantom Pain, came out on December 29, 2016.

New Music and Collaborations (2019–Present)

Emile performing in Smiths Falls, Ontario, in 2019

In October 2019, Jonathan Emile signed a deal with Tuff Gong. This is a famous record label from Jamaica. He was the first artist from Quebec to sign with them. Soon after, he released "Savanna". This was the first song from his next album, Spaces-in-Between. The song is named after his family's hometown in Jamaica.

In December 2019, he released "Moses", the second song from the album. The third song, "Try a Likkle More", came out the next month. Spaces-in-Between was released on January 24, 2020. This album has 10 original songs. It includes collaborations with Ezra Lewis and Chanda T. Holmes. Emile also shared that he recorded another hip hop album and a live reggae album in 2019.

In February 2020, Emile worked with Jamaican singer Etana. They made a new version of "Canopy" from his album. In April 2020, he released a music video for "Keep on Fighting". This song was also released in French as "Solidarité".

In June 2020, Emile released "Babylon Is Falling" with singer Maxi Priest. This was a new version of a song from the Spaces-in-Between album.

His Music Style

Jonathan Emile creates and performs music in many styles. These include hip hop, reggae, R&B, and electro-pop. He sings, raps, and freestyles in English, French, and Jamaican Patois.

Emile wants his music to be about important topics. He sings about social issues, spiritual ideas, and moral questions. He mixes hip hop and reggae with soul music to share his messages.

Helping Others

Jonathan Emile loves to share his experiences and music with young people. He offers advice and leads workshops for city youth. He teaches them about music and life.

As a Jamaican Canadian and a member of the black community, Emile takes part in Black History Month events. In 2013, he went on a "Songs of Freedom" tour. He visited 15 schools in Montreal. His message was that "Music is a tool for communication and social change."

Discography

Studio Albums

Extended Plays