A New Chapter For Jah Bradez
Born in Jamaica’s fifth parish, the musician goes by the stage name ‘Jah Bradez’. Set to debut the release of his first official vocal presentation
Trelawny. Known historically for its expansive sugar estates, The Maroons and of course Usain Bolt. Now add to the list: Brady Robinson, co-founder and former member of five piece band Pentateuch (meaning the first five books of the Bible).
Born in Jamaica’s fifth parish, the musician goes by the stage name ‘Jah Bradez’. Set to debut the release of his first official vocal presentation as a solo artiste titled ‘Kingston’(Remix), the track was originally released back in 2010 whilst Bradez was a drummer with the Pentateuch Movement. The song is an ode to the iconic city he now calls home and the people, who are its life and soul.
“So, this idea to use ‘Kingston’, actually came from Peter “Kongz” Samaru, producer for the track.
“A few years ago he had an idea of re-working the song with an electronic drums sound style, fused with reggae. Originally, Peter and I were just writing and doing demos, and thinking to possibly let someone else sing them. After some thought, I decided to move from behind my familiar drum set and step up to the mic myself! Now we’re about to release it as my first official single – like an ice breaker before the release of other music we are collaborating on.”
The experimental production on the remix is distinctly different from the original without impacting on the message within the lyrics.
“The drums are actually programmed electronic drum sounds. However, all other instruments were played by close musical friends of Peter and I. There were different vocal takes done, but the one that was chosen, I recorded in Ft Lauderdale and in a friend’s professional home studio.
So most definitely teamwork is involved. I’m the kinda person that believes in collaborating together.”
Sought widely as as a drummer, this young lion has worked with some of Jamaica’s most established artistes like the Mighty Diamonds, Ken Boothe, Duane Stephenson, Aidonia, Koffee, Lila Ike, Clatta Bumboo, RikJam and Earthkry to name a few, as well as producers such as Oliver ‘Bliva’ Thompson and Rai Gennari.
However, his creativity is not limited to just his beloved drum set.
“First and foremost I view myself as a musician that is attracted to a wide genre of music. I do not limit my creativity. However, roots reggae appeals to my soul on a different level.-Reggae is my first love.”
“Also, once I put my mind to something and go at it: I can learn. So, sometime ago, I started experimenting with playing the acoustic guitar. I think it’s such a wonderful instrument that can help with songwriting. While attending Edna, it was also compulsory to learn the piano as a minor, so I can help myself with that too.”
Jah Bradez distinctive sound reflects the influence of his upbringing in the church along with various elements that represent Jamaica’s rich, musical heritage. Whether from the vintage era of early recordings of ska, mento and of course nyabinghi drumming, to the legendary and pioneering vocalists Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert, Horse Mouth, Aswad and Burning Spear. Prince, Sam Cooke, Carlton Barrett and even Michael Jackson are cited as continuous sources of inspiration as he travels on his musical journey.
“Jamaica is a diverse place when it comes to music, and we are influenced by many different genres even though our foundation and culture is based on Nyabinghi, mento and so on.
Although ‘Kingston’ (Remix) is experimental in it’s sound, it’s the traditional elements of the track that truly set it apart by enlisting a group of some of Jamaica’s finest musicians on the production:
- keyboards: Evan “Yello” Mason
- bass: Andrew Ayre
- guitars: Nnamdi Robinson
Since posting an announcement on social media, Bradez has received hundreds of words of support for his new direction as a vocalist. For many fans, this foray into singing was a complete surprise.
“ I honestly had NO idea that I would be thinking about songwriting and singing my original songs.
Before Pentateuch, I wasn’t even singing until we formed the group, where it would require me to be able to sing and play at the same time. I must say I’m very grateful for the other aspect of myself it unlocked for me to discover.”
Fresh from touring in the United States, Bradez is hard at work in the studio creating sounds as sweet as the sugar cane from his hometown of Trelawny and writing lyrics as powerful as the ancestors in the Cockpit Country.
From what has been heard so far, expect future musical offerings from a voice that will carry a messages that will be uplifting to the soul, authentic and conscious roots music.
Jah Bradez is set and ready to close a chapter on his years as a drummer and start an entirely new book starting with ‘Kingston’(Remix).
‘Kingston’(Remix) will be released on all digital platforms, Friday, June 3, 2022. For social media updates, follow on IG: @real_jahbradezmusic FB: jahbradezmusic twitter: realjahbradez
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