He is known for his distinctive style of guitarplaying, above all his percussive right-hand technique which is similar to bass player's slapping technique. He's also famous for playing most of his live shows with a bare torso.
Son of a chief Osodolamu Sanyaolu in a Yoruba tribe and successful industrialist, Keziah (Olufemi) spent his early childhood in a large family in the semi-Muslim part of Nigeria, close to the city of Lagos. From a young age he was being prepared to follow his father's footsteps and was expected to have an academic career. Therefore his father enrolled him in a Public School in London and Keziah left Nigeria at 8 years old to be educated in England.
"I had to find a way out of all that bullshit, and music was it!" By the age of 13 he discovered the old school piano and taught himself how to play and write songs. Three years later he switched to the guitar, neglecting his studies more and more. After scraping through exams he went against his father's wishes and family tradition even more by skipping school and trying out his songs in the streets, clubs and London Underground, constantly avoiding the police, the Immigration Department - and his own relatives.
Keziah played mostly improvised sets with tenor Saxophone player Kevin Wood at the Red Eye club in Lewisham, south London at least three times during 1988/9.
Keziah led a bohemian life for several years instead of the one envisaged for him. "Lose all time, love your mind, free your soul!" (from his song Free Your Soul). Moving from London to Paris, accompanied by his guitar, he acquired an excellent reputation as a musician and performer with a unique style. In 1991, while playing in the Paris Metro, Keziah is discovered by the French music label "Delabel" manager. In 1992, Delabel signed Keziah for his first album to record it in Paris, "Blufunk is a fact," including the worldwide success of Keziah's first single "Rhythm is Love." Obviously, Keziah' Parisian subway experience was instrumental to his skyrocketing career, as clearly stated in his official biography.
Keziah often cites Fela Kuti and Jimi Hendrix as important influences. Also Keziahs major influences were Michael Jackson[citation needed] Keziah is not in support of Drm ,he thinks music should be shared no matter the cost.and people in third world countries should listen to music to help them,he alos works with these people to and play music while doing it.
Keziah Jones also paints and writes poetry. He’s a talented[citation needed]photographer and he produces short films, one among them entitled "BLACKSPEEDTEXT." This film, his music and the other facets of his artistic life reflect his experiences on the streets.
Keziah was married to Anglo-Nigerian singer Akure Wall in 1994. they separated in 1996.
Rhythm Is Love
Keziah Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The reason flies, the fear is scare, the ocean loves the sea
If I try to take you there, would you come with me?
The reason flies, the fear is scare, the ocean loves the sea
Rhythm is love
Heaven is just another world
For the feelin called
Musical
Color is lust
Because all of the sexual "thangs"
We do
In my mind
I trust you make em all colorful
I'd like to put you
In such a romance
Take you down
To paris, france
Leave the café and the bars
Walk the wintry boulevards
Is that a smile I see ?
Well, maybe your not even
Looking at me
Cuz if you smile for no reason
The season is lost
But if your love is the rhythm
Ma rhythm is love
Chorus
Ma rhythm is love
Coming at you
Just like this!
Keziah Jones's song Rhythm Is Love is a track that tells of an adventurous journey, with the singer posing the question, "If I try to take you there, would you come with me?" This verse encapsulates the willingness to follow one's desires and embark on a journey, with no fear, with the singer assuring that the rhythm is love. The reference to "the reason flies" portrays that there is no logical explanation for the journey, but the sheer feeling of exploring the unknown. The reference to color as lust and all sexual activities as colorful portray that music brings all kinds of emotions to the fore, including love, passion, desire, and joy. The singer dreams of taking their crush to Paris and showing her a romantic time, and although the singer is not sure whether the crush is looking back at him or not, there is no stopping the rhythm of love.
The chorus of Rhythm Is Love is an affirmation of how rhythm and love work hand in hand. There is a clear intersection between love and music, with the former bringing the latter to life. Heaven becomes another facet of life where the feeling of music is present, and the singer attests that "Ma rhythm is love, coming at you, just like this!" The song's rhythm is upbeat and exudes positivity, making it impossible not to tap one's feet to the beat. The song's melody is a fusion of different genres, including jazz, rock, blues, and funk, reiterating the message that music has no boundaries and brings people together.
Line by Line Meaning
If I try to take you there, would you come with me?
Asking if the person is willing to go on a journey with him
The reason flies, the fear is scare, the ocean loves the sea
Unclear or unknown reasons perplex people, but love always finds a way
Rhythm is love
Love is the foundation of the rhythm and melody of music
Heaven is just another world
Heaven is a feeling, a sensation that makes this world a better place
For the feelin called musical
Music is a feeling and emotion that can drive people to different places
Color is lust
The use of color is a romantic and artistic way of expressing passion and sexual intimacy
Because all of the sexual 'thangs' we do
Referring to sexual acts and games that involve the use of colors and props
In my mind
Imagining romantic and sexual scenarios
I trust you make em all colorful
The person he is addressing can add a creative and artistic flair to their romantic sexual encounters
I'd like to put you in such a romance
Desire to create a romantic and sensual atmosphere
Take you down to Paris, France
Willingness to explore a new place full of culture and romance
Leave the café and the bars
Escape the typical tourist attractions and discover the less known hidden spots of the city
Walk the wintry boulevards
Stroll the beautiful streets of Paris during the winter season, enjoying the scenery and the people
Is that a smile I see? Well, maybe your not even looking at me
Questioning if the person he is addressing is smiling at him or if it is just a coincidence
Cuz if you smile for no reason, the season is lost
The winter season is cold and harsh, but a smile can light up the day with warmth and happiness
But if your love is the rhythm, ma rhythm is love
If the person he is addressing shares his love for music, they can create a beautiful harmony together
Chorus Ma rhythm is love
Repeating the idea that love is the foundation of musical rhythm
Coming at you just like this!
Emphasizing the energy and passion of the song and its message
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KEZIAH JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frédérique Fiorente
Rhythm Is Love
Keziah Jones
If I try to take you there, would you come with me?
The reason flies, the fear is scare, the ocean loves the sea
If I try to take you there, would you come with me?
The reason flies, the fear is scare, the ocean loves the sea
Rhythm is love
Heaven is just another world
For the feelin called
Musical
Color is lust
Because all of the sexual "thangs"
We do
In my mind
I trust you make em all colorful
I'd like to put you
In such a romance
Take you down
To paris, france
Leave the café and the bars
Walk the wintry boulevards
Is that a smile I see ?
Well, maybe your not even
Looking at me
Cuz if you smile for no reason
The season is lost
But if your love is the rhythm
Ma rhythm is love
Chorus
Ma rhythm is love
Coming at you
Just like this!
Paroliers : Keziah Jones
Paroles de Rhythm Is Love © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Elisabeth Soleda aurea
Quel groove et quelle classe !
Dju Dju01
Mais trop !!! Les fondamentaux 😂
Julie Jais
soleda aurea Ghjgddrhjb
Mi chael
played this song at my dads funeral, because it is his song...everytime i hear this, i must think about him. rest in peace my friend. rhythm is love
Nadja Terbutt-Baum
Sorry to hear about
your loss 🖤✨
- RHYTHM IS LOVE -
♥️🎶♥️ from KEZIAH JONES is one of my favorite Songs too and it’s such a beautiful way to say “Good Bye” to a beloved person … ♥️🎶🤍🕊🤍🎶♥️
Philip
One love. ✊🏾✊🏻
Mi chael
Philip thx man
Philip
I played the bass .. blessings for your father..
Véronique DUBUIS
You just want to dance and move, when you hear this song💙
# Groovstyle
Ce titre est légendaire, un groove incroyable, et des lyrics qui tuent👍