What is Gay Music? Music by gay artists… music by out musicians… music with gay lyrics? Nhojj is one of a growing number of recording artists carving out a niche in the music industry, and shaping the answer to those questions. Expressing their reality, artists like Nhojj are depicting gay life and sharing their experiences as gay people in gay songs and gay music videos. This baby industry revolution has been growing underground for almost 2 decades and is beginning to spill into mainstream America .

Music lovers have always danced with gay artists. Tom Robinson’s “Glad to be Gay” was a hit in the UK in the 1970s and disco singer Sylvester won 3 Billboard awards. In 1998, Rolling Stone named Rufus Wainwright Best New Artist, and Adam Lambert’s release debuted at #3 on Billboard’s 200 chart. However fans often become aware of a singer’s sexuality after the artist-fan bond is formed – as is the case with Elton John, George Michael, Boy George, Tevin Campbell and Johnny Mathis. The industry’s model of marketing to heterosexual desire keeps many artists closeted until after their career’s have peaked.

But while mainstream approval keeps many major label artists in the closet, the indie music world is rich with gay music in every genre.

In 2009, BET/Centric TV congratulated soul singer Nhojj on being a gay history and a black history first, after becoming the first gay black male to win an OUTMusic Award. His provocative gay music video “Love” recently climbed to the #1 spot on the MTV Music Top 100 chart and was featured at the Sundance Film Festival’s Queer Lounge. Nhojj’s work has been featured on Logo TV and VIBE/Singersroom. Other black gay performers include 6x Stellar Award winner Tonéx now TON3X™, Donnie, and Rahsaan Patterson, who co-wrote Brandy’s #1 song “Baby.”

In 2007, gay rapper Deadlee grabbed Rolling Stone and CNN headlines when he organized the first HomoRevolutions Tour, eventually appearing on the Tyra Banks show in the homo hip hop episode. The tour featured gay hip hop artists Tori Fixx, QBoy, and Johnny Dangerous among others. And last year gay rappers Last Offence and Bry’Nt were featured in Spin Magazine.

In 2006, alternative pop artist Josh Zuckerman scored the #1 spot on Sirius Radio, and the year before that Levi Kreis released his debut after appearing on “The Apprentice” with Donald Trump. Around that time music from Christopher Dallman’s debut was featured on MTV’s “The Real World.” While last year Matt Alber’s dreamy vocals earned him a spot in OUT Magazines OUT100 issue.

Dance music has always been a popular form a gay music. Artists Kevin Aviance and RuPaul have both earned #1 Billboard Dance hits, Ari Gold won at the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards, and artist baron was nominated for an OUTMusic Award.

OUTMusic is an 18 year old organization that promotes and supports gay artists, and runs OutMusic.com – a database of popular indie gay recording artists. This year marks the first time the OUTMusic Awards have been featured on a Major Television Network – MTV owned LOGO.

One can remember the pivotal role songs like “We Shall Overcome” played in the Civil Rights Movement – music has always affirmed shared experience. Now gay rights is front and center in the public debate with President Obama’s plan to repeal ‘Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell’ and gay marriage winning the slow and steady war around the globe – most recently in our nation’s capitol. “Music and revolutions go hand in hand, and I’m proud to be apart of this revolution!” – Nhojj explains.

(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

New York, NY (Billboard Publicity Wire) March 5, 2009 –”I like to think of style this way,” says Nhojj. “Fashion is what you wear. Style is what you exude. For a performer, style is that part of yourself you share with your audience. What I share is my Caribbean roots. It’s part of me. It’s part of my music. It’s one part sensual, one part spiritual, and one part joyful. I call it Caribbean Soul.”

Nhojj tapped the talents of Maxwell stylist, Kirk Shannon-Butts, for his recent Barbados Music Awards performance. “I’ve always been a huge admirer of Maxwell.” The singer says, “His style is smooth, elegant and authentic. It distinguishes him as an artist. I wanted to bring this sense of style and individuality to my BMA performance so I contacted Kirk. He orchestrated the style for the Maxwell 2008 Tour.”

For his performance Nhojj wore a white suite from French designer Sonia Rykiel’s Homme Collection, with a vintage orange shirt and Valentino shoes. The picture of Nhojj playing his guitar, shrouded in a blue spotlight, along with his soaring vocals, brought cheers from the audience, which included Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Square One and former American Ambassador Mary Ourisman.

The Barbados Advocate Newspaper reported that Nhojj “definitely made an impact on his audience with his voice, his lyrics and his personality.”

Within hours, the popular CBC TV show Mornin’ Barbados scheduled Nhojj as a guest. On the live taping, the singer/songwriter discussed his latest CD “Soul Comfort”, the BMA’s, and then serenaded host Cassandra Samuel with an acoustic unplugged version of “Love.” “Wow!” she exclaimed at the end, and broke into spontaneously applause. “Remember the name,” she said, “because he is going places.”

For the morning show, Kirk chose vintage black tux jacket and pink t shirt by African designers Bebenoir. The whole affair was overseen by Carib News Editor Walter Greene, who heard Nhojj performing in New York City and invited him to sing at Guyana Fashion Weekend 2008, where he introduced Nhojj to BMA producer Ronnie Morris.

Nhojj has recorded 4 CDs and a live DVD filmed by Emmy-nominated director Bill Cote. His voice has been described as “A honeyed, subdued and unadorned combination of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye,” UK’s LOGO Magazine, and “A voice that wraps the body and soul,” Italy’s Acid Jazz Magazine.

He topped the NY Indie Charts in 2007 with his unique brand of Caribbean Soul, spending a total of 37 weeks as #1 artist in the Fusion, Neo-Soul, Nu-Jazz, Healing, Easy listening and Gospel categories on MySpace, and received honorable mention at the 13th and 14th Annual Billboard Songwriting Contest.

Having started his musical journey at the age of 5 singing in his father’s church in Guyana, Nhojj speaks with humility when referring to his recent successes. “The whole experience in Barbados was beautiful and I am thankful for each blessing. Experiences like these encourage and strengthen my faith and I hope it inspires others to live their truth.”

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.”