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.
Lost/Found
Nhojj Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Was blind but now I see
I had been bound, my head facing down
And I stayed there out of my fear
I shut out the light, lost all my sight
Believe the lies and your soul dies
Glued to a box, couldn't hear life knocks
Place I had been, knew I couldn't win
Believe the lies and your soul dies
The lyrics of Nhojj's song Lost/Found describe a journey of self-discovery and overcoming fear. The chorus, "I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see" suggests a transformation from a state of confusion to clarity. The metaphor of being blind represents a lack of insight and understanding, whereas being found represents gaining knowledge and wisdom. The verses describe the struggle of being trapped in a negative thought pattern, where the fear of failure and rejection prevents one from moving forward. The lines "Believe the lies and your soul dies" highlight the importance of questioning negative beliefs and embracing one's own truth.
The song encourages listeners to let go of limiting beliefs and to have faith in their own abilities. It also suggests that change is possible, and that the act of shifting one's perspective can lead to personal growth. The themes of self-discovery, transformation, and inner strength are universal and relatable, making this song a powerful anthem of hope and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
I once was lost but now I'm found
I was confused and searching for direction, but now I have found my way.
Was blind but now I see
I was ignorant and unaware, but now I have knowledge and understanding.
I had been bound, my head facing down
I was restrained and restricted, unable to look up and see the possibilities.
And I stayed there out of my fear
I remained in that state of restriction because of my own anxieties and apprehensions.
I shut out the light, lost all my sight
I ignored the truth and became blind to the world around me.
Believe the lies and your soul dies
Accepting falsehoods and deceits will lead to the death of one's inner being.
Felt like a jail, set up to fail
My circumstance seemed like a prison and I was doomed to failure.
Glued to a box, couldn't hear life knocks
I was stuck in a narrow-minded way of thinking and unable to recognize opportunities.
Place I had been, knew I couldn't win
The situation I was in was not conducive to my success or well-being.
Believe the lies and your soul dies
Again, emphasizing that accepting falsehoods and deceits will lead to the death of one's inner being.
Writer(s): John Martinborough
Contributed by Audrey I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.