Ojiji facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ojiji |
|
|---|---|
| Birth name | Rupert Harvey |
| Born | 9 February 1955 Clarendon Parish, Jamaica |
| Genres | Reggae, jazz, funk, dance hall, traditional music |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals |
Rupert "Ojiji" Harvey, born in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, on February 9, 1955, is a talented musician. He plays many types of music, including reggae, jazz, funk, and dancehall. He is well-known for his own songs and for his work with the Canadian band Messenjah. Their hit song "Cool Operator" sold over a million copies, earning a platinum record!
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Rupert was born in Jamaica. When he was eleven, his family moved to Canada. As a teenager, he helped start a band called Crack of Dawn. This band made history as the first Black Canadian band to sign with a major record company, Columbia Records. Their music is still popular with collectors today.
In the late 1970s, Rupert started his solo music career. He released two records that are still enjoyed by D.J.s. After his solo work, Rupert helped create the reggae band Messenjah with Errol Blackwood. Messenjah signed with Warner Bros. Records and won many awards, including the Juno Award in 1998.
Beyond Music
Rupert Harvey has also appeared in movies and on television. His band Messenjah was even featured in the movie Cocktail.
Besides music, Rupert is a respected expert in martial arts. He leads the Tai Mantis Kung Fu Association in Toronto, Canada. He is so skilled that he was chosen as the International President of the official Praying Mantis Kung Fu school from China. This was a very special honor because he was the first non-Chinese person to hold this position in the school's 400-year history! He is also involved with four related Qigong medicine schools.
Rupert also briefly played in a group called "The Redeem Team." They performed as a backing band for other musicians like Frankie Paul and Tiger.
Memorable Performances
Rupert Harvey has performed at some very important events:
- He performed for Nelson Mandela at the Skydome in Toronto in 1998.
- He played at Reggae Sunsplash with Messenjah in 1985.
- Messenjah was an opening act for the famous band The Clash on their 'Combat Rock' Tour.
Music Releases
Solo Albums
- The Shadow: Ojiji (1979)
- Halfway Home: Ojiji
- Once a Lion: Rupert "Ojiji" Harvey (2000)
With Messenjah
- Rock You High (1982)
- Jam Session (1984)
- Cool Operator (1987)
- Rock & Sway (1990)
- Cool But Deadly (1990)
External Links
- Ojiji website
- YouTube performance
- Messenjah on YouTube
