The Gay Warrior tops the “Reggae” and “Out and Proud” charts at CD Baby as Nhojj continues to break barriers and deliver music with a message of Love.
Guyanese chart topper Nhojj climbs to the top again with his latest single, “The Gay Warrior Song.” Simultaneously #1 on both CDBaby’s “Reggae” and “Out and Proud” charts, he continues to establish himself as a fearless artist whose appeal extends to listeners across the musical spectrum.
A gay anthem grabbing the #1 spot on both charts is an unlikely phenomenon—Reggae music has unleashed much homophobia, while Out and Proud music celebrates the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community. But it is not the first time for Nhojj. His gay music video “Love” hit the #1 spot on the mainstream MTV Music Top 100 chart earlier this year. And last year BET/Centric congratulated him on being a “a gay history first!”
Nhojj first caught the attention of Reggae enthusiasts in 2003 with the release of his sophomore “Someday Peace Love & Freedom.” It addressed social ills. Many of the songs infused reggae beats. In 2005 he again embraced his Caribbean roots on his Inspirational album “John Martinborough Coming home,” recording a reggae version of the religious hymn “His Eyes are on the Sparrow.”
This time around Nhojj uses his voice to target homophobia, and donates proceeds to the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) an LGBT Rights organization in Guyana . He invokes scripture in the name “Jah” (a term for God, widely used in reggae music) as his higher authority. His lyrics offer affirmation:
Open your hearts and let Love march in
Courage will free the minds of many today
Knowing the Truth of how God made you
Just embrace your true soul
Jah said to Love one another
Even as I do Love you
Jah said Love one another
Because in Love you find the Truth
Love is the Truth
The Gay Warrior Song” is mastered by Robert Honablue, whose gold and platinum credits include Bob Marley, Santana, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, and Janis Joplin. It is based on an earlier song “Fighting for Love” that appears on “Someday Peace Love & Freedom.” Nhojj recalls, “I started writing this song 7 years ago and couldn’t complete it… but I knew I would finish it though… one day I knew I would be strong enough to record and release this song.” Both songs are available on CDBaby, the oldest and largest distributor of independent music in the world.
Nhojj grew up in Guyana, and went to high school in Trinidad prior to coming to the United States to attend college. Before he could read or write he sang at his father’s church, and eventually on radio and television shows. Twice he sang in national stadiums – once for the President of Guyana, and once for the President of Trinidad. After graduating with honors from New York University with a Bachelors Degree in Economics, he returned to his passion—singing—and began recording. To date Nhojj has released 6 album releases, and a DVD directed by Emmy nominated Bill Cote. He is the first black male to win an OUTMusic Award.
“We are all warriors,” Nhojj explains. ”Regardless of our race, religion, nationality, sex, or sexuality, we’re all fighting to be who we are, who we’re meant to be. That’s what this song is really about – the courage to embrace ourselves and love each other for who we are, despite the pressures the world places on us.
A big thank you to everyone at Black Gay Gossip for all the support they have given me over the past year. Every time something special happens in my career. Black Gay Gossip is there to cover it and share it with their readers. I really appreciate this. Thank you again and enjoy the stories below…
NYC Gay Parade 6/26/2010
Gay Warrior Song 6/17/2010
Gay Pride Tour 5/3/2010
LOGO Video Premiere 2/16/2010
Blueprint Video Release 2/15/2010
Nhojj Wins Out Music Award for “Love” 12/30/2009
New Video: Nhojj “Love” 11/30/2009
Dope Music Monday 08/09/2009
I had a great time talking with Tom – the Ramble Redhead about Taylor Dayne, coming out, my influences, SASOD, Indianapolis Gay Pride and cats in the background… lol. You can listen to our conversation at http://rambleredhead.com
A big thank you to Anna and everyone at Rapsoulution for a wonderful article. You can read the article and magazine PDF by clicking the picture – enjoy:)
Hey beautiful people, Under the Pink Carpet TV is airing the music video for “Love” and an interview. The times and channels are below, hope you can tune in. A big thank you for Lady Clover and Tony Sawicki.
Wednesdays at 10 PM
Thursdays at 4 AM
Sundays at 11:30 PM
Mondays at 5:30 AM
Broadcast on NYC Life / WNYE on:
Antenna / Over-Air Broadcast – Channel 25-1
Comcast Cable, Time Warner Cable, RCN Cable, Verizon Fios Cable – Channel 25
Cablevision Cable – Channel 22
Outside of NYC, Cable channels may vary according to local cable company, but all the above cable companies do carry NYC Life / WNYE in the 5 Boroughs of New York City, Northern NJ, Western Connecticut, Southern New York State and Long Island.
Gay “Love” on Top at MTV – David Michael Conner
Caribbean-born singer-songwriter Nhojj never dreamed of a successful career as an out musician. Now his video for “Love” — which shows two black men embracing in bed — is number 1 on MTV.
Read the Full article here