AS a youngster attending Meadowbrook High School, Ragga Jahmari was exposed to music by his family members who were involved in different sectors of the industry.

His uncle George Miller is a drummer with the Fire House Crew, while his father is producer/engineer Nigel Burrell.

“I guess you could say that I was born to do music. I’ve been around music all my life. My father is an engineer who has worked with a lot of top reggae artistes, including the late Toots Hibbert and Beres Hammond. From as far back as I can remember I was always eager to go to the studio with him, and if he said ‘No,’ I would cry. Going to the studio with my dad allowed me to learn about music production. I also learnt how to play a variety of musical instruments,” said Ragga Jahmari.

The singer and musician is confident that it won’t be long before he becomes a household name in reggae music.

“I don’t like to brag but I believe I have the talent and the skills to become a major force in the music industry. I’ve also received a lot of guidance over the years from my parents and other people, including Toots Hibbert, Beres Hammond, and Ansel Collins,” he said.

Last month, Ragga Jahmari released his debut single Strong Melanin.

“Strong Melanin is a song I’ve created to educate, inspire and give thanks to our ancestors for their sacrifices during times when we were oppressed for the colour of our skin. Big thanks to all the supporters and musicians who made this song the art you hear now,” said Ragga Jahmari.

Strong Melanin was produced by Supamixe Productions. It features guitarist Mitchum Khan Chin.

“I’m very pleased with the response that my song is getting. I won’t make any predictions but, based on the feedback that it’s getting, I believe that it is going to do well,” said Ragga Jahmari, whose given name is Raheem Burrell.

— Kevin Jackson