ANTHONY MINOTT PHOTOS - Singer 'Akojah' waiting on his breakthrough.LIKE MANY YOUNG entertainers, Portmore roots singer Akojah searches for that one hit tune to push his career to the next level.
"What I need now is sufficient airplay for my music. I also need more marketing for my songs to let people hear the quality of work I can bring forth, all I need is just a chance to prove my worth," Akojah told THE PORTMORE STAR.
Akojah was christened Andres Whyte in the district of Andrew Hill in Frankfield, Clarendon.
The Christian Meadows, Gregory Park resident born on February 12, 1977, had humble beginnings. He attended the Frankfield Primary school from 1984 to 1989 and Clarendon College from 1989 to 1994. Soon after he went to live with his father in Morant Bay, St Thomas. However, driven by his ambition to become a teacher he attended the Mico Teacher's College and pursued a course in Art and craft. Though he did not finish the course, he still harbours the ambition of becoming a teacher one day.
FAMILY LEGACY
Partly influenced by his grandparents, who sung on their church choir, Akojah developed a love for music at a tender age. From kindergarten through to high school, he sang at school concerts and church functions. Seeing the interest he showed in music, his aunt Olive bought him a toy guitar and commented that he was going to be a great musician one day. So keen was his interest in music he taught himself to play the guitar.
Akojah says that he was inspired to get involved in music by Reggae greats Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh. "These prominent artistes inspired me to make music my career choice," Akojah said.
To this end he did an audition last year that was video taped and aired on Sauce Community Network in Alman Town, Kingston. Akojah then went to Jammy's recording studio where he recorded three original songs on the Jammy's label. The three songs, entitled Bodyguard, Fire and Pussy Cat, did not make it further than the tapes they were recorded on and Akojah gained valuable experience in working in the studios.
The Sunshine City singer said that he is currently working on promoting his two latest original singles, both of which deal with roots and culture. 'I Stood up', and Progress are on the J. Deeble Label.
Akojah sees himself as 'the girls dem pet' as he loves singing for the girls. In his comical tune Pussy Cat he conveniently speaks about the ladies genitals, which is quite a motivator for him.
Akojah says the next five years in the music business should be quite significant for him. "The sky is the limit over the next five years, in terms of music, singing and major contracts. I would also love to do some producing of my own as I do not settle for one area in the business," he said.
Akojah, though young to the music business, did give some advice to young upcoming artistes. "Young artistes should try to be positive and be assured of what they want out of life or music," he said.
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