Ojiji facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ojiji |
|
|---|---|
| Birth name | Rupert Harvey |
| Born | February 9, 1955 Clarendon Parish, Jamaica |
| Genres | Reggae, jazz, funk, dance hall, traditional music |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals |
Rupert "Ojiji" Harvey is a talented musician from Jamaica. He was born in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, on February 9, 1955. He is known for playing many types of music, including Reggae, Jazz, Funk, and Dance Hall.
Rupert Harvey has released his own music. He was also a key member of the Canadian band Messenjah. This band became very famous for their song "Cool Operator," which sold so many copies it earned a platinum record. A platinum record means over one million copies were sold!
Contents
Early Life and Music Journey
Rupert Harvey was born in Jamaica. When he was eleven years old, his family moved to Canada. As a teenager, he helped start an R&B and funk band called Crack of Dawn.
This band made history! They were the first Black Canadian band to sign with a big record company, Columbia Records. Their music is still popular with people who collect old funk records.
Later, in the 1970s, Rupert started making his own music. He released two solo albums that became very popular. After his solo work, Rupert helped create the Reggae band Messenjah with Errol Blackwood.
Messenjah signed with Warner Bros. Records. They won many awards, including the Juno Award in 1998. The Juno Award is one of Canada's biggest music awards.
Beyond Music: Martial Arts Master
Rupert Harvey is not only a musician; he is also a respected martial arts expert! He has appeared in movies and on television. His band Messenjah was even in the movie Cocktail.
Today, Rupert is the head of the Tai Mantis Kung Fu Association in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is very well-known for his skills in martial arts. He was even chosen as the International President of the official Praying Mantis Kung Fu school from China.
This was a huge honor! In the 400-year history of the Praying Mantis Kung Fu school, Rupert was the first person who was not Chinese to be elected to this important position. He also leads four related Qigong medicine schools.
For a short time, he also played in a group called "The Redeem Team." They backed up other musicians like Frankie Paul and Tiger.
Memorable Performances
Rupert Harvey has performed at many important events. Here are some of his most notable shows:
- He performed for Nelson Mandela at the Skydome in Toronto in 1998.
- He played at Reggae Sunsplash with Messenjah in 1985.
- His band Messenjah was an opening act for The Clash on their 'Combat Rock' Tour.
Music Releases
Solo Albums by Ojiji
- The Shadow: Ojiji (Ultra Records, 1979)
- Halfway Home: Ojiji
- Once a Lion: Rupert "Ojiji" Harvey (2000)
Albums with Messenjah
- Rock You High (1982)
- Jam Session (1984)
- Cool Operator (1987)
- Rock & Sway (1990)
- Cool But Deadly (1990)
