More distinctive than his trademark flowing locs or striking features is that Nhojj is a songwriter who understands lyricism, a vocalist who projects his voice as an instrument, and an entertainer with a mysterious magnetism that has compelled International audiences for years. With an essence that is as sweet as it is strong, Nhojj is the self-affirming “warrior” noted in his award-winning, chart-topping anthem The Gay Warrior Song. His fight is not for power or prestige. In fact, after 6 CDs, 11 singles and an Unplugged Live DVD (filmed by Emmy-nominated director Bill Cote), Nhojj best fights for love through the courageous magic of his songs.
Nhojj’s beginnings are in Guyana and Trinidad, where he performed for the Presidents of both countries. A preacher’s kid, his humility, deep spirituality, and passion for music can be traced back to a 5-year old singing in his father’s church in Georgetown. A great student whose musical talent was perhaps understated given his natural inclination for it, Nhojj would complete a BA in Economics at New York University before embarking on a musical career.
Since taking that bold step he has shared the stage with such iconic figures as Norah Jones, Regina Belle, Taylor Dayne, Crystal Waters, and Out Poet Activist Staceyann Chin. In the summer of 2010, his music led to an International Pride Tour that culminated in Munich, Germany. At the AIDS memorial in Germany, 500 balloons were released to the sky as Nhojj’s voice soared offering the refrain I Miss U! He is deeply connected to causes that have affected him in a personal way, which drives his passion to create songs echoing universal messages of love and hope.
Nhojj’s most notable accomplishments are that he has been the “first” in several respects. He was the first gay Indie artist to reach #1 on the MTV Music chart with his same gender loving video, Love. In late 2009, Nhojj opened doors when he became the 1st Black male to win an OUTMusic Award, the Alliance of LGBT Recording Artists & Performers voted Love OUTStanding R&B/Soul Song of the Year. In spite of the perceived and actual homophobia in communities of African and Caribbean descent, Nhojj has been uncompromising in his message, leading to high praise by black media groups like BET’s Centric Soul Sessions who congratulated him, “…for delivering high quality Jazzy-Soul for nearly a decade… for being a Black history and a gay history first!”
Remarkably Nhojj’s impression into the hearts and minds of people the world over has been organic in nature. There are no major label marketing ploys or reality TV stunts; little beyond a heart that understands sincerity and gives to causes such as Lifebeat, the Gay by God Campaign, and performances at various September 11th memorial concerts. Most recently he donated the proceeds from his 2010 OUTMusic Award winning, #1 Reggae CDBaby single, The Gay Warrior Song, to The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), an LGBT Rights Organization in Guyana. Nhojj’s belief in the message of God’s unconditional love is relayed through songs like Things Will Get Better, created in response to gay bullying, especially among teens, as well as his Easter 2001 release of groundbreaking marriage equality music video for his classic interpretation of Amazing Grace.
Nhojj’s creative success can be attributed to the fact that he understands and values critical collaborations with other artists and filmmakers: from the feature Love in San Francisco GLFF “Best First Film” nominated Blueprint or Spring Rain and Dream in the TLA hit film Finding Me to the musical collaborations with Def Jam Poet ButtaflySoul and fellow OMA winner baron in My Brother. The world has only seen the tip of the iceberg for a soul rebel whose hot enough to melt adoring fans yet cool enough to win over new ones.
With new projects, such as the forthcoming video for his provocative single Adam & Steve (a song which marries spirituality and sexuality), the desire to “make the world better one song at a time” is evidenced by an unfailing optimism that is as contagious as his melodic falsetto runs. Says Nhojj, “There is a deep spirituality that flows through my work. I like to think that it creates a sanctuary for my listeners.” This sanctuary is here for people from all walks of life to share in the beauty that is a courageous love. Open your heart and you’ll find its drumbeat in his songs.
Adam & Steve
Nhojj Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love & beauty your True identity
Adam & Steve
Pride harmony loving the God in me
Adam & Steve
Fact not theory accept and let it be
Adam & Steve
Are meant to be Divine philosophy
Rest inside this garden eden
Hold Love safe inside your spirit
Living life is our True mission
We are all God′s perfect children
Adam & Steve
Happy are we traveling this life's journey
Adam & Steve
Through history affirm true love succeeds
Adam & Steve
Dream and believe hero, my son achieve
Adam & Steve
You hold the key, trust in your Soul to keep
Adam & Steve
Madam & Eve
Adam & Eve
Do you hear me?
The lyrics of Nhojj's song, "Adam & Steve," celebrate the love and identity of the LGBTQ community, specifically that of same-sex relationships. The opening lines, "Love & beauty your True identity," acknowledge that love and beauty are inherent qualities of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation. The song challenges the traditional notion of heterosexual relationships presented in the story of Adam & Eve, and instead embraces the idea that "Adam & Steve are meant to be Divine philosophy."
The repeated lines "fact not theory accept and let it be" highlight the importance of accepting the truth of same-sex relationships rather than dismissing them as a mere theory or choice. Through this acceptance, individuals can find "Pride harmony loving the God in me" and embrace their true selves with love and harmony.
The song further emphasizes the importance of love and acceptance by referring to all individuals as "God's perfect children." The repetition of "Adam & Steve" reinforces the message that love comes in many forms and that LGBTQ relationships are just as valid as heterosexual ones.
In the final lines, the song draws a parallel between "Adam & Eve" and "Madam & Eve," suggesting that the traditional heterosexual relationship is no longer the only valid option, and embracing the idea that love can exist in many forms.
Line by Line Meaning
Adam & Steve
Love and beauty are the true identity of everyone, including Adam and Steve
Adam & Steve
Pride, harmony, and love for God reside within both Adam and Steve
Adam & Steve
The fact that Adam and Steve exist together is not theoretical, but a reality that should be accepted and embraced
Adam & Steve
The relationship between Adam and Steve is part of a divine philosophy
Rest inside this garden Eden
Find peace and safety within yourself and your surroundings
Hold Love safe inside your spirit
Treasure the love within yourself and protect it from harm
Living life is our True mission
The purpose of life is to live it to the fullest and be true to oneself
We are all God's perfect children
Everyone is equal in the eyes of God and perfect just the way they are
Happy are we traveling this life's journey
We can find happiness and joy while navigating the ups and downs of life
Through history affirm true love succeeds
Love has always prevailed throughout history, despite the obstacles it has faced
Dream and believe hero, my son achieve
Believe in yourself and your dreams, and you can accomplish great things
You hold the key, trust in your Soul to keep
The power to shape your life lies within yourself, so trust your inner voice
Adam & Steve
Madam & Eve
Adam & Eve
The singer is addressing those who may not understand or accept the relationship between Adam and Steve
Writer(s): John Martinborough
Contributed by William P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.