2010 started off in a special way for me. I found out the “Love” music video is now on MTV and Vh1 and also it screened at the Sundance Film Festival in the Queer Lounge. If you love the images of the two male actors in this video – get the film ‘Blueprint’ and see their story. Its available on Valentine’s day at http://flickeria.com

“Blueprint” is being released soon.  “Love” is the theme song for this film, so I’m really happy and proud to be sharing this with you.   Director Kirk Shannon-Butts also directed my music video for “Love” and it contains scenes from the movie.   Get it at http://flickeria.com

Buy Blueprint Now!

Even fifty-five years after Brown vs. The Board of Education, being named the first Black anything in this country is still a big deal. And so it is interesting to note…

Read full article at

http://blogs.centrictv.com/music/soulsessions/nhojj-makes-black-history/

Indie artist Nhojj was among the top winners at the 2009 OUTMusic Awards, taking home OUTStanding R&B/Soul Song of the Year for his song “Love.” After receiving this prestigious award, the talented artist took to the stage and captivated audiences with a live performance of his award winning song.  The awards ceremony was hosted by Noah’s Arc star Rodney Chester and GLAAD Media Award winner Kate Clinton. The ceremony was held December 8th at legendary Webster Hall in New York City.

“Love” features keyboardist Carl Evans (Stevie Wonder, Barry White); David Stark on Guitar (Rick James & Teena Marie); Tommy Aros on percussion (Luis Miguel); and is mastered by Robert Honablue, whose Gold and Platinum credits include Santana, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley and Miles Davis.

Nhojj is the first African American male to win an OMA, and also the first artist to win the Outstanding R&B/Soul Song of the Year.  This year OUTMusic added this award category, along with other categories to more fully reflect the music of the LGBT community.  “I hope this win leads other black LGBT artists to be true to who they are,” Nhojj says.

The OMA’s are the biggest night in LGBT entertainment and the only gala ceremony of its kind in the world.  The LOGO sponsored event drew many notables in the LGBT community including OMA Lifetime Achievement recipient Kevin Aviance, Village Voice columnist Michael Musto and LOGO personalities DeMarco Majors and Julie Goldman.

Tim Yates
TimothyKYates@gmail.com or 917-684-7753

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International Indie recording artist Nhojj is slated to perform “Love” at the 2009 OUTMusic Awards, the biggest night in LGBT entertainment, and the only gala ceremony of its kind in the world.  The event takes place at the legendary Webster Hall in New York City Tuesday, December 8, 2009.

Nhojj grew up in Guyana and Trinidad, where he performed for the Presidents of both countries, and began this year by returning to his Caribbean roots performing “Love” at the 2009 Barbados Music Awards.  He is proud to be ending the year performing at the 2009 OMA’s, where “Love” is nominated in the “OUTStanding R&B/Soul Song” category.

Over the years Nhojj has released 5 CDs, and an unplugged live DVD by Emmy nominated director Bill Cote.  He has performed at Lincoln Center, and toured the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.  His music has been played on radio stations in over 125 countries.

It is not always easy for an Indie artist, especially if you’re black, gay and from the Caribbean, but it’s Nhojj’s faith and love of music and song writing that has kept him going through the rough times.

“Love” is a song about romantic love. It is a celebration of the joy of sexual intimacy.  Indie director Kirk Shannon-Butts used “Love” as the theme song to “Blueprint” – a story of 2 black men who fall in love, which screened at 2008 Cannes International Film Festival.  “Love is universal and is for everyone,” Nhojj says, “gay, straight, young, old, those of every faith and nationality —everyone!  One day soon, our world will acknowledge this undeniable truth.”

This is Nhojj’s second OMA nomination.  His first was in 2004, when his social injustice CD “Someday Peace Love & Freedom” was nominated for “Outstanding New Recording.” Songs on that album covered issues ranging from homelessness to homophobia.  Nhojj chose “Fighting for Love,” an original composition about a warrior fighting against ignorance and hatred, to perform at a special OMA Nominee showcase held at Fez in NYC that year.

Nhojj says of his music, “I want it to be uplifting and affirming.  I want to inspire…  Just as the OMA’s are a celebration of LGBT music, I want my music to be a celebration of  life.”

Tickets for the 2009 OMAs can be pre-purchased for $25.00.  Special Group discounts of 10 or more are available.  Please visit www.outmusic.com to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40.00.

Click to Buy Tickets for 2009 Outmusic Awards Now

About OUTMusic
OUTMusic is a premier 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to honoring, supporting and advocating on behalf of underrepresented openly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered artists and performers.  The organization was founded by life partners Dan Martin and Michael Biello over 18 years ago to provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBT recording artists and performers.  Our mission is to ensure that underrepresented OUT artists/entertainers have equal and inclusive presence in the mainstream entertainment industry.  We work to put an end to homophobia in the entertainment industry and the world we live in through education, advocating and raising awareness, thus bridging the gaps that exists.  We educate, advocate and raise awareness with the goal of bridging the gaps.  OUTMusic work with the mindset, Freedom Of Expression IS OUTMusic.

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Media Contact:
Tim Yates
OUTMusic
Timothy.K.Yates@gmail.com or 917-684-7753

I’m really excited about sharing this music video with you – it screened this year in the Sundance Queer Lounge along with other gay videos.  Kirk Shannon-Butts did a great job capturing the beauty and essence of “Love” ~ in order to obtain the slow motion effect, I had to learn to sing at double speed… lol – but it was so much fun.

“Love” is theme song for Kirk’s film “Blueprint” (which premiered at Cannes Film Festival last year:)  A big thank you to Adrian Lopez and Houston Street Production.  Let me know what you think of it:)

PS – This video climbed to #1 on the MTV Music Top 100

Its exciting to once again be recognized, my song “Love” which is featured on my latest CD  “Soul Comfort” has garnered a nomination for Outstanding R&B/Soul Song.  This is the second time my work has been acknowledged by the OutMusic association, my sophomore CD “Someday Peace Love & Freedom” was nominated in 2004 for Outstanding New Male Recording.  Congratulations to all the nominees and a big thank you to Tomas for encouraging me to submit my work:)

I had a great time talking with Cassandra on Good Morning Barbados TV, I didn’t enjoy getting up at 4:30 AM to videotape the show… lol, but the experience was truly amazing. A big thank you to Ingrid:)

The Barbados Music Awards was such a magical night. R&B legend Regina Belle was sitting in the audience (I heard she took a picture of me while I was performing). A big thank you to Walter Greene and Ronnie Morris for making this happen, and for Kirk Shannon-Butts for great styling.

New York (Billboard Publicity Wire) Guyanese soul singer Nhojj heads to the 4th Annual Barbados Music Awards on January 4, 2009 to perform his sensual ballad “Love.” The ceremony will be held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Barbados, and will be viewed globally via live web broadcast.

Nhojj will share the spotlight with Square One (Lifetime Achievement Award recipient), Regina Belle (International Lifetime Achievement Award recipient), and 111 nominees including Rihanna, T.I, and Krosfyah. The BMA’s honor the best in Caribbean and International Music, and attract recording industry leaders as well as visitors from around the world.

BMA producer Ronnie Morris invited Nhojj after hearing him sing “Love” at Guyana Fashion Weekend ’08 – a performance that brought explosive applause from the closing night’s audience. Attendees included the American Ambassador, GFW president Sonia Noel, BET host Abiola Abrams, and “Amen” sitcom actress Anna Maria Horsford. Walter Greene, host of the event and editor of the weekly New York Carib News, wrote “Nhojj is on the cusp of becoming a household name.”

At age 5 Nhojj began his musical journey singing choir hymns in his father’s small church in Guyana. Now he writes and records his own songs. Lyrics to “Love” are provocative–”I want to see you nude in the moonlight”–quite a jump from “The Lord’s Prayer,” one of his childhood favorites.

“It’s not so much of a jump,” Nhojj explains. “The nude body is a creation of God, a thing of beauty. I want my music to tap into that beauty. I want it to be positive and affirming–to be joyful.”

In recording “Love” for his new release “Soul Comfort,” Nhojj utilized the work of pianist Carl Evans (Stevie Wonder, Barry White) and percussionist Tommy Aros (Luis Miguel). “Love” is featured in the Indie film “Blueprint” which screened at over 30 International Film Festivals this year, including the Cannes Film Festival. A music video is in production with “Blueprint” director Kirk Shannon-Butts.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Nhojj. He slowly ventured into the music business only after graduating from New York University with a BA in Economics. “For a long time I didn’t believe I was good enough,” Nhojj explains. “I would always compare myself to others – fear is paralyzing.” He credits friends, family, and meditation for giving him courage to face his fears and begin writing and recording. Now with 4 CDs under his belt, and a live performance DVD filmed by Emmy nominated director Bill Cote, Nhojj feels ready to share his brand of Caribbean Soul with the world.

“Music for me is about connecting with the audience in a deep way,” Nhojj reflects, “when the mood is right and the spirits descend – we all feel the euphoria, its like fireworks – I’m really looking forward to this experience… to putting a smile on everyone’s face.”