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

We had a great time at the Brooklyn Society of Ethical Culture at the Verve Series.  I’m looking forward to our Holiday show on December 20.  Michael Flanagan captured a few of the moments, check them out below:)

Nhojj live at Verve Show

Guyana Fashion Weekend 2008 was pretty amazing.   The designs were innovative and reflected the rich culture and heritage, and it felt really good to be back home - enjoying good food, weather, family and friends.    A big thank you for Walter Greene and Sonia Noel.

Nhojj performing at Guyana Fashion Weekend 08

Nhojj performing at Guyana Fashion Weekend 2008

I also want to say hi to some of my new friends BET host/Author Abiola Abrams, Film maker and Glamour Magazine Marketing Editor Kirk Shannon-Butts, Actor/model Hector Lincoln, TV Producer/Recording Artist Ronnie Morris, and Photographer/Model Nigel Wallace.  You can catch some of the pics of us having fun by following the links below:)

More Pictures
www.flickr.com/photos/nhojj/sets/72157608543572627/
www.flickr.com/photos/keepitlocal/sets/72157608170047142/
www.flickr.com/photos/abiolatv/sets/72157607840535095/

This was my gig at the Cutting Room in NYC, these pictures were taken while I was singing “I Miss You” Its the first time I worked with acting coach Robert Allan Arno. He really helped me communicate this song.

Nhojj Live in New York City

Nhojj and band

Nhojj singing

Nhojj smile

Many people compliment me on my smile… which is interesting, because for a long time I didn’t like my smile. Its just another example that proves that we should love everything about ourselves, especially those things we believe are flaws – you never know it may be your best attribute:)

Ryan E Photography - Nhojj

It was good to return to the Five Spot in Brooklyn, we had done the “Underground to Peace + Unity” there in 2003 and over the years I’ve performed there many times. The Five Spot is a kewl spot, if you ever get a chance visit it and enjoy the soul food (I love soul food:)

Nhojj performing at the 5 Spot

Nhojj Live

Nhojj smiling on stage

Nhojj in music heaven

The are the still photographs from the Tillies Cafe show. A big thank you for Jerry James (he always makes me look good:) He’s taken some of my favorite photographs. A big thank you to the musicians Mike, Marcelo, Nigel and Shawn.

Nhojj performing live in Brooklyn, NY

Singer Nhojj

Nhojj singing live in Brooklyn

A big thank you to Chael for this article in A&U Magazine 2007, about my work with HIV and AIDS. I donate performances to Lifebeat’s Hearts and Voices program and the song “James Donovan” is dedicated to two of my friends we lost to this disease. Thank you Stephen Downes for these pictures.

Nhojj A&U Magazine Article 2007 - Click to Read

Nhojj A&U Magazine Page 2 - Click to Read

I remember when I first walked into the JW Studios in Brooklyn, NY to mix “John Martinborough Coming home” I just knew I wanted to record my next project there. My wish came true and when it was time to record “Soul Comfort” we headed to JW Studios:)

Nhojj recording Soul Comfort at JW Studios

Nhojj & Producer Jon Evans listening back

Nhojj recording extra takes

Nhojj kidding around with Jon Evans

These are pictures from the play “The Making of the Black Man” the  recipient of the 2001 Jacob A. Weiser Playwriting Award.  This was at the 2002 International Fringe Festival.  It was my first acting gig – it was a great experience.

Nhojj acting in The Making of the Black Man

Nhojj at the International Fringe Festival 2002

Nhojj & the cast of The Making of the Black Man

Nhojj in costume at the Fringe Festival 2002

Nhojj rehearsing for The Making of The Black Man