Keziah Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Keziah Jones
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Olufemi Sanyaolu |
| Born | 10 January 1968 Lagos, Nigeria |
| Died | Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day |
| Genres | Blues, Funk, Yoruba music, soul |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, photographer, poet, playwright, painter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano, bass, percussion, clarinet |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | Delabel Records Virgin Records Because Music |
Keziah Jones (born Olufemi Sanyaolu on January 10, 1968) is a talented Nigerian singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He calls his unique music style "Blufunk." This sound is a cool mix of raw blues and strong, energetic funk rhythms. His Nigerian background, especially Yoruba music and soul music, also plays a big part in his sound.
Keziah Jones is well-known for his special way of playing the guitar. He uses a percussive technique with his right hand. It's similar to how a bass guitarist uses a "slapping" technique to make rhythmic sounds.
Contents
Keziah Jones: Life and Music Journey
Olufemi Sanyaolu, known as Keziah Jones, was born and grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. His father, Oshodolamu Sanyaolu, was a Chief of the Yoruba people and a successful businessman. Keziah was expected to follow in his father's footsteps and have an academic career.
Early Life and Moving to England
When he was eight years old, Keziah moved from Nigeria to England. He went to a famous school called Millfield School in North London. He later said that music was his way to escape the strict English school system.
Discovering Music and Busking
By the age of 13, Keziah started learning to play the piano and write songs by himself. Three years later, he picked up the guitar. He began playing music in public places, like London's underground stations and streets. This is called "busking," and he often had to avoid the police.
In the late 1980s, he moved to Paris, France. He continued busking in the Paris subway, where he was discovered by a manager named Phil Pickett. Keziah believes his experiences in the Parisian subway were very important for his growing music career.
Rise to Fame and Hit Songs
Keziah Jones became known as a unique musician and a captivating performer. He had a special hard funk style and often traveled between London and Paris. In 1992, he released his first album, Blufunk Is a Fact. This album included the popular song “Rhythm Is Love,” which became a global hit. This song helped him become a recognized musical talent.
Over his career, Keziah has released six studio albums. Some of his other well-known songs include “Where Is Life,” “A Million Miles From Home,” “Beautiful Emilie,” “Femiliarise,” “Kpafuca,” and “1973.”
Recent Projects and Future Plans
Recently, Keziah Jones recorded his first full live album in Lagos. He worked with his long-time band members: Josh “McNasty” McKenzie on drums, Joey “Anchor man” Grant and Alex ‘Beanz” Miller on bass, and Edem “Amen” Viana on guitar.
He is currently working on his seventh studio album. He is also involved in other music projects. One of these is an EP (Extended Play) called Class Of 89 with a famous French EDM (Electronic Dance Music) producer, Philippe Cohen Solal. They plan to turn this EP into a full studio album.
Keziah Jones: Musical Influences and Artistic Vision
Keziah Jones says that Fela Kuti, Miles Davis, and Jimi Hendrix are his main musical inspirations. His signature sound, Blufunk, combines a punk-funk attitude with Yoruba rhythms. His songs cover many different topics, mostly sung in English, but sometimes in Yoruba. Visual arts are also a big part of Keziah’s work, as he is also a skilled artist himself.
Connecting Continents Through Art
Keziah Jones divides his time between Lagos, Nigeria, and Paris, France. He often explores the connection between the northern and southern parts of the world in his art. He wants to show the modern side of Africa after colonial rule. He challenges the common Western idea that Africa is only a continent of famine and conflict.
He highlights the lively modern urban culture in Africa, especially in Lagos, a huge city with 25 million people. Keziah emphasizes that modern African culture is thriving in music, fashion, and art. This culture is greatly influenced by Africans living outside of Africa. He wants to show the world the "modernity of post-colonial Africa," far from old stereotypes.
Keziah Jones continues to create new and exciting music. He remains an important figure in both the African and global music scenes.
Keziah Jones: Music Albums
Keziah Jones has released several studio albums throughout his career.
Studio Albums
- Blufunk Is a Fact (1992)
- African Space Craft (1995)
- Liquid Sunshine (1999)
- Black Orpheus (2003)
- Nigerian Wood (2008)
- Captain Rugged (2013)
Other Music Projects
Keziah has also released compilation albums, collaborated on projects, and put out EPs (Extended Plays).
- Compilation Album: Rhythm Is Love – Best Of (2004)
- Collaboration Album: Class Of 89 - Philippe Cohen Solal feat. Keziah Jones (2022)
- EPs:
* Frinigrô Interstellar (1991) * Live (1993) * The African Anarchist (1999)
Keziah Jones: Videos and Singles
Keziah Jones has also released music videos and singles.
Videography
- Live at the Elysée Montmartre (2004)
Singles
Some of his popular singles include:
- "Rhythm Is Love" (1992)
- "Where's Life?" (1992)
- "Million Miles from Home" (1995)
- "If You Know" (1995)
Keziah Jones: Film Appearances
Keziah Jones has also appeared in films.
- Eva & Leon (2015)
