(Billboard Publicity Wire/PRWEB ) December 23, 2009 — Indie recording artist Nhojj made OUTMusic Awards history when his ballad “Love” was voted 2009 Outstanding R&B/Soul Song of the Year by The Alliance of LGBT Recording Artists & Performers. This marks the first time an African American male has won an OMA. The Logo sponsored event was held December 8, 2009, at the legendary Webster Hall in New York City. It is the biggest night in LGBT entertainment, and the only gala ceremony of its kind in the world.

Nhojj is also the first artist to win the OUTStanding R&B/Soul song of the year. OUTMusic added this and other categories to the ceremony this year to more fully reflect the music of the LGBT community. After his win, the singer/songwriter took the stage performing “Love” before an audience including OMA Lifetime Achievement recipient Kevin Aviance, Village Voice columnist Michael Musto, LOGO personalities DeMarco Majors and Julie Goldman among many other notables in the LGBT community. The ceremony was hosted by Noah’s Arc star Rodney Chester and GLAAD Media Award winner Kate Clinton.

“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 by Robert Honablue, whose Gold and Platinum credits include Santana, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, and Miles Davis.

Director Kirk Shannon-Butts featured “Love” in his highly acclaimed Indie film “Blueprint,” which screened at 2008 Cannes International Film Festival, and also directed the music video “Love.” Unlike many current R&B music videos, it is the sensitive reflection of two male college students who feel a mutual attraction toward each other. “I believe love is for everyone… homosexual and heterosexual” Nhojj says, “One day soon our world will acknowledge this simple truth.”

In 2004, Nhojj’s sophomore CD “Someday Peace Love & Freedom” was nominated for OUTStanding New Male 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 grew up in Guyana and Trinidad, where he performed for the Presidents of both countries. He began singing in church at the age of 5, but didn’t embark on a career in music until after graduating from NYU with a BA in Economics. Earlier this year he returned to his Caribbean roots and performed “Love” at the 2009 Barbados Music Awards.

To date Nhojj has released six CDs and an unplugged live DVD by Emmy nominated director Bill Cote. He has performed at Lincoln Center, and toured the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom.

In addition to his recording and performance schedule, Nhojj regularly donates his gift of music to people living with HIV/AIDS. He performs in hospitals, hospices, residential facilities and treatment centers throughout New York City , as part of the Lifebeat “Hearts and Voices” program.

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

Music is the song I’m singing… Music is the way I’m giving… Music gives my life the meaning… Music makes my world go round… This is a performance of “Music” at the 2009 All Out Jazz Tribute to LGBT Jazz Greats.

I’m excited to be doing this show again Joes Pub with Rome Neal and all these talented singers & musicians.  Last year “All Out Jazz” was a blast, its good to be apart of the Fresh Fruit Festival again.

Mike Ibrahim wrote “Spring Rain” which is featured in the film “Finding Me”. This picture was taken last summer in the east village, when Mike & I met for the first time.  He’s now signed with Polydor/Universal France, so look out for him in the record stores soon:)

Nhojj & Mike Ibrahim in NYC

Performing “I Miss You” at the Cutting Room in New York City, we had Marcelo Cardozo on guitar, Ralph Stowe on Keyboards, Yusuke Shibata on bass guitar, and Mike Veny on drums. Its one of my favorite songs to perform:)

Thanks to Rome Neal, I and a number of LGBT artists had the opportunity to perform jazz standards at the Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe in the East Village. This was the Tribute to LGBT artists and LGBT Jazz Greats.   Each performer did a song by an LGBT Jazz Great – like Cole Porter, Bessie Smith and Andy Bey.  We did the show at Joe’s Pub and then at Rome Neal’s banana pudding jazz series.

This was an amazing experience for me.  Singing “His Eye is on the Sparrow” in gay black christian affirming church had such a profound effect on me.   Rehoboth Temple in Harlem is a predominantly black gay church, but is welcoming to everyone.  It was so affirming to reclaim this gospel music that I love and sing it for a congregation of gay black christians who really understood what I was singing about.

I was a part of the uni aum Entertainment team for the 2008 AIDS Walk in New York City, I was really happy to see how many high school kids out walking and being aware of this disease and raising money to help fight this tragedy.  Check out the pics below:)

Nhojj at AIDS walk 2008

Nhojj at AIDS walk 2008

Writing the names of friends James & Donovan I’ve lost to AIDS