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The most beautiful and uplifting song and video I’ve ever experienced! Bravo to all!” – Charles Rice-Gonzalez
“I am typing this through tears…thank you, thank you Nhojj!! What a beautiful affirmation, testimony, joyous celebration!” – Fabian Thomas
“Thanks for that warm embrace” – James Earl Hardy
“This is beyond lovely. The unity is right there INSIDE the sound. A wonderful presentation, statement and message! So FEELING the love & artistry in this stellar effort. In fact, if either of my novels are ever made into films, I’d want this song to be a vital part of the soundtrack! That’s how much it MOVES my soul!” – L.M. “Lin” Ross
“Love this! You create this spirit of sincerity and warmth in your music that’s so welcoming, I can’t help but feel a part of it.” – Allen Luther Wright”
“Absolutely soul stirring, head nodding, feet swirling, body shaking, spirit warming! Wonderful!” – Ed Toney
“I absolutely love it!!” – Charly Joaquin Dominguez
“A superlative production of sheer joy and mutual respect, this is a mantra for the way it should be, it can be…leave it to Nhojj to make it so deceptively easy, bathed in the white light of brotherhood.” – Robert-Allan Arno
“Beautiful, uplifting, chills, I feel it” – Marc Benjamin
“I could just feel the love, that went into creating it. Thank you again – for sharing such a beautiful message.” – Felix Anthony Williams
“What can I say that I haven’t said already. You are wonderful. I love your music. Keep this up and you will go down in history as one of the greatest. Trust me on that.” – Ochi
“My Brother” is a delight to the eye and ear. Its lighthearted rhythms, harmony , images, and talented ensemble, convey the easy joy that brothers often share. But there is a deeper message that men of color, and of all colors, should be seeing, supporting and loving one another as brothers to overcome life’s hurdles. It is a profound message beautifully delivered.” – Michael Lavelle
“Something fresh and from the heart.” – Howard Stump
“Rarely do artists give back, at least as part of their art. There are the standard award show thank you’s, but a video dedicated to the friends that helped them get there? Neo-soul singer/songwriter Nhojj creates a special moment with the release of his third video “My Brother.” They don’t come as genuine as Nhojj and judging by the “My Brother” line up, good company is contagious.” – Ramon Johnson
“So wonderful to share with men I know and love.” – Tim’m West
I’m scheduled to do a call in interview today on NYC’s 99.5FM WBAI Pacifica Radio show OUT-FM, which airs from 7pm-8pm every Tuesday. You can also listen online at www.wbai.org. OUT-FM features the best in progressive lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer talk radio. Every single week, they try to share the critical queer voices ignored by the mainstream media. Be sure to tune in…
If you missed it you can listen now at www.outfm.org
With a little help from friends, Nhojj releases “My Brother” – a simple heart felt music video that reaches toward the joy of true friendship – offering thanks to those who helped shape and mold him.
In contrast to his controversial gay marriage “Amazing Grace” video, Nhojj turns his focus to the simple value of friendship with his collaborative “My Brother” released on 8/12/12 on YouTube. At the heart of both music videos lies the gift of affirmation and the celebration of love.
Taken from Nhojj’s critically acclaimed 2008 “Soul Comfort” album, “My Brother” features a diverse array of male artists: poets sean360x and Baron, his classical trained brother Sam Martinborough, Gospel vocals from ButtaFlySoul and Jesse O’s R&B stylings. ”My Brother” was released as a single with 2 additional Soul House remixes in August 2011 and is now Nhojj’s 3rd music video.
Nhojj writes in his liner notes, “With this song I strive to go beyond the contradictions and disappointments and reach for the good times, the fond memories, the moments of strength and courage. With this song I offer thanks to the fathers… friends… brothers… lovers… sons who helped me be the man I am today.” In this fast paced and highly competitive world where simple values are often ignored or forgotten, “My Brother“ seeks to be a reminder of the meaning of brotherhood and friendship. It shows 5 black males supporting and affirming one another, with special emphasis on the good times and happiness that can result from positive male relationships.
“The goal of this music video is to show the possibilities that can exist in the realms of friendship between men, and to remind viewers to cherish these special moments. I hope it provides a warm feeling and sends waves of love to the viewer because love is healing,” Nhojj explains.
Performing in the “My Brother” video is writer, director and #1 Reverbnation artist sean360x. Recipient of the Jacob A. Wieser Writing Award, his work has been featured in the International Fringe Festival – the largest multi-cultural arts festival in North America. The Voice of Harlem (WHCR 90.3FM) says “His eccentric style, energetic live performances, and conceptual music dazzle critics and audiences alike.” Nhojj says “I’m always in awe of the energy and creative spirit of sean360x. In the beginning, his company uni aum Entertainment really provided a home for me to grow and develop artistically. I know I wouldn’t be the artist I am without sean360x.”
Another member of the “My Brother” ensemble is Def Jam Poet ButtaFlySoul. “Before I started writing ‘Soul Comfort’ ButtaFlySoul sat me down and shared some wisdom – he spoke to my mission here on earth and challenged me to reach deeper into my Spirit. I will never forget that night – he really awakened something special within me.” ButtaFlySoul is a writer, director, actor, recording artist, emcee and activist. He has opened for Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Ledisi and toured with Grammy nominated poet Nikki Giovanni in the BET sponsored “Totally You Tour.”
Baron is an OUTMusic Award winning electro/hip-hop recording artist and his music has been featured in films like “Finding Me” and “Blueprint.” He met Nhojj in 2003 during the live video taping of “An Intimate Evening with Nhojj,” directed by Emmy nominated Bill Cote and they became quick friends. ”Baron inspires me because he is always reaching higher, pushing further, and becoming more of who he is. I’ve always admired artists who aren’t afraid to explore the musical terrain and evolve – I love his new EP “RadioHeart” and I am indebted to him because he connected me with the music supervisor for “Blueprint” and suggested I submit “Love” to be included in the film’s soundtrack and the rest, as they say, is history.” Nhojj’s music video for the song “Love” climbed to #1 on MTV Music.
The final “My Brother” cast member is Nhojj’s brother Sam Martinborough – founder of Mssng Lnks, a Boston based non-profit organization focused on helping aspiring teenage vocalists pursue their dreams, get into college and stay there. Mssng Lnks provides the financial, logistical, emotional support they need as they pursue vocal or musical training. “What can I say about my brother… he was the first family member I came out to and he has always been someone I could talk to and whose support I could depend on. He personifies everything this song and music video means – he is the inspiration” Nhojj reveals.
“My Brother” was filmed at Studio 80 and JW Recording studios where Nhojj recorded most of the song’s vocals. Nhojj explains, “The recording booth in the music video is the actual booth where I recorded my vocals for “My Brother” so it was great to be able to capture this moment on film with all these men who I admire and love. Even my co-producer Jon Evans was there behind the mixing board. The only person that was missing was Jesse O, because of his hectic study schedule. He wasn’t available to film, but we had his support and love, and it is this same support and love we hope to pass along to everyone who watches “My Brother.”
Its so easy to criticize and cut someone else down… but isn’t it great when someone says something nice and uplifting to you? Its so easy to remember people who have hurt us… but there have been many who have loved us and helped us. With this song My Brother and this new music video – I offer thanks to the men in my life who have helped me be the man and the artist that I am today and I am eternally grateful. One of these men is pictured in this photo – my brother Sam – words can’t begin to express what I feel for this man. I hope this video reminds you of the people in your life who have brought you love and joy.