Jazzy J for poetry fest
Having visited Jamaica as an infant, Jazmine Headley obviously has no recollection of that trip to her parents’ homeland. She is likely to remember her next stop here.
The nine-year-old Canadian singer, poet and actress is down to perform on the Jamaica Poetry Festival, scheduled for August 14 at AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston.
Known as Jazzy J, most of the activities she is involved in are charity-based. Those include a cover of We Are The World, dedicated to the children of besieged Ukraine.
“Why not help the needy? It’s important to help in anyway one can… I help the needy as this is my way of contributing to those those in need. Sharing is caring, giving back makes a difference in my life and a major difference to the person that is receiving,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
Jazzy J’s first poem was inspired by the horrific death of George Floyd, a black American who was suffocated when a white police officer knelt on his neck for over nine minutes in Minneapolis.
Since that controversial incident in May 2020, she has recorded songs like Dance With Me and featured in Miss Bonita And Friends, a Canadian children’s show.
“I write poems and songs based on my mood, mostly songs. However, I would say at least twice per week,” said Jazzy J. Her personal playlist is diverse, from Katy Perry and Michael Jackson to Bob Marley and gospel.
Her biggest influence is not as famous.
“My poetry teacher, Mrs James…I listen to her most of the times,” she disclosed.
Jazzy J will keep company with an elite cast at the 12th Jamaica Poetry Festival. Jazz great Monty Alexander, Skip Marley, former Poet Laureate of Jamaica, Professor Mervyn Morris, musician Marjorie Whylie, poet Dr Michael Abrahams, Ghanaian poet Ebony Payne, and George Elliot Clarke, Poet Laureate of Canada will also perform.