What does it take to fight for your dream? Reggae music is Lady J’s passion and being both an experienced singer/songwriter and student of life, Lady J presents as a dedicated, determined person who is passionate about transforming her musical vision into a reality. ’I see myself as an artist striving to survive in the industry; but one day I will achieve the success I dream of.’
Humble Beginnings: Lady J’s story begins in South London where, at the age of 6, she sang her first ever solo in St Matthew’s Church, Wandsworth. Whilst singing remains her first love, different art forms have always appealed to Lady J and in the past she has studied Classical Jazz, Ballet, Singing and Drama; however the power of music and its lyrical content truly affected her, therefore in her late teens Lady J embarked on exploring her talents and discovered her ability to write songs, later leading to a recording career.
Greatest Musical Inspiration: DJ Bionic Rhona was the person who deeply inspired and mentored Lady J, arising from the strong connection they felt at their first meeting. Being very spiritual, Lady J does not believe in coincidences however was surprised to discover that Bionic Rhona, often referred to as ‘The First Lady of UK Reggae,’ lived across the road from her! Bionic Rhona took Lady J under her wing and together they frequented venues such as The Music Caff in Camden and The Westbury and Continental Club, both in Wandsworth Road. Bionic Rhona encouraged Lady J to continue making the most of every open mic opportunity which included the Hackney Empire Cabaret Challenge, organised by ever popular Hughie Crawford. Together, Lady J and Bionic Rhona joined a band, Touch A Tone, and worked alongside artists such as Lisa Stansfield, Gabrielle and Fairground Attraction. Eventually Bionic Rhona became ‘family’ to Lady J- Lady J’s Daughter’s Godmother, and when she passed away, Lady J dedicated one of her favourite songs, ‘I’m gonna catch that morning train,’ (by Pickney) to Rhona during a stage show.
Song Writing and Musical Influences: Lady J writes about the experiences she has had that may prove beneficial to her audience. She has always been inspired by the work of popular artists such as John Holt, Prince Buster, CC Pederson, Hortense Ellis, Marcia Griffiths and more recently, Queen Ifrika, whose musical influences Lady J has cultivated within her own songs. Lady J speaks about the spiritual connections she feels with these artists through their music; example; aged 11-14, Lady J’s personal life was very hard to bear, especially when her mother passed away. She found herself deeply touched by Marcia’s song, ‘You are the sun, I am the moon, you are the words, I am the tune- play me.’ Ultimately this song directly inspired the following lyrics relating to a true life situation Lady J experienced- ‘Oh Man, I want your love and I need your love.’ – Describing unrequited love which many of us can relate to. Other genres that have influenced Lady J include: Rock, Country, Gospel, Roots & Culture and R&B.- leading to Lady J doing her own version of Love is Contagious.
Recording Career: During her teens Lady J began song writing with friends and started recording at various London studios, especially SIMBA studios, Acton, where she worked with engineer JAZBO. Lady J met some notable performers including: Aswad, Misty In Roots, Nereus Joseph and Lovella Ellis (daughter of legendary Alton Ellis.) Her early singles included a duet with the late Biggsy called ‘If Only You Knew,’ and a song titled, ‘Working Man,’ with Bionic Rhona. Lady J also provided backing vocals for Deneez Peters (daughter of Freddy Notes,) Frederica Tibbs, Andrew Sloley, Fred Glen and G Vibes. Lady J recorded two songs- ‘If Only You Knew,’ and ‘Wings Of Love,’ both tracks produced by Gary Digi-Tec. Lady J collaborated with Andrew Sloley during late 2016, working on their first joint single.
Live Performances: In 2008, Lady J performed at a themed event, ‘The Return of the Tamarind Brothers,’ held at South Side Bar, Brixton. 2012, Lady J organised, promoted and performed, creating a special Valentines Dance and Showcase at popular venue, Snooker hall, South Norwood. The event was compered by the great Sugar Dread and artists included: Lovella Ellis, Junior Singerman, Earl Derango and Robert Dallas. Lady J has provided backing vocals for several artists including well known Reggae artist Frederica Tibbs and Andrew Sloley. Deneez Peters’ album launch- ‘This Is the Moment,’ proved a particularly memorable occasion where Lady J performed two of her own songs. Lady J has also worked alongside Junior English, Omar Twins from So Solid Crew and previously mentioned long- time friends Gabrielle and Lisa Stansfield. More recently Lady J entered talent contest, ‘Britain’s Got Reggae,’ and was accepted, performing at the popular venue Hootnanny, Brixton. She was thrilled to perform again at the Hootenanny as backing singer for Dancehall/Reggae artist Zeena Banks; headlined on that occasion by multiple award-winning Canadian Reggae artist Tasha T. Other recent venues where Lady J appeared live include The Balham Pub and up- coming venue, where she shared the stage with Jamaican Reggae singer Nesbeth. The White Lion, Streatham. Besides commercial venues, Lady J is in demand for private events such as parties and receptions.
Character Acting: In 2009 Lady J Artist played a single Mother in Lorna Gale’s Play "STUFF" where she wrote and performed a song specifically for the part called, ‘Baby Girl.’ Lorna Gale is a well- known personality who has appeared in countless productions including TV shows East Enders, Casualty and musicals such a Guys and Dolls. Lady J thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working with a dedicated professional. Lady J enjoys getting into character and applies this feeling to live music performances; practicing meditation beforehand to raise her energy vibrations.
Music Video: Lady J is thrilled to have appeared in two of Deneez Peter’s music videos- ‘Dance with Me,’ and ‘Do You Love Me?’ Lady J enjoys video and is currently planning one of her own to express her latest single and is seeing how she can incorporate her ideas into the work.
In 2018 Lady J travelled to Jamaica where here Parents were born and spent Two weeks where she wrote recorded 6 songs Rock U Body, Conqueror, Lesson. Love in Emergency and Burning Fire, were Collaborated with Jamaican Reggae Artist Parka Jubilant. She also recorded a Dubplate for King Tubbys Sound System titled King Tubbys Rule.
Rock U Body produced by Dangerous Companion Records. was Released on: 2019-05-31 was one of the Nominated in The Bright Star Awards for Best Reggae single for 2019
Current Status: Lady J is currently working with Fitzroy Drummond one of the Road Managers of the Legendary Wailers Band Her single ‘Moving On,’ along with several other songs were inspired by the late great Legendary Keyboard player Earl "Wire" Lindo of the Wailers Band. Lady J says her Journey Continues as the Album is 7 Years in the making and are due to be released working on her album launch.
Lady J is also currently working with DJ Sin at London Hott Radio, based in South London. Job Title: Programming Manager working on a Documentary Project called My Musical Journey.
Lady J is also working with Ras Cos Tafari covering backing Vocals for various tracks of his upcoming Albam.
Greatest Aspirations: Music is Lady J’s first love and primary focus. Her audience includes everyone who faces challenges and hardships in life, especially emotional challenges. Lady J believes we have the power to overcome, and her greatest desire is to achieve the status and recognition she deserves. As stated, Lady J is determined to make a name for herself in the music industry and maintains the ethos that by working hard and promoting herself the world is her oyster.
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