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.
Spring Rain
Nhojj Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Search my soul
My silent soul
Inner lights
Need the sound of father sun before I find my way
In a spring rain
I was born
On my hands
Water's falling in the forest inside of me
I'm already too far
And the sky sends its light for me
To clear my eyes
In this body
Nature's body
I've found my soul
It's angels' party… in my body
We'll dance with timeless soul
In spring rain
The lyrics of Nhojj's song "Spring Rain" depict a profound sense of introspection and exploration of one's inner self. The opening line "Inner falls" suggests a deep emotional or spiritual turmoil brewing inside the singer. The following lines "Search my soul, my silent soul" indicate a desperate search for answers or meaning within oneself.
The second stanza reflects the singer's yearning for clarity and purpose. "Inner lights need the sound of father sun before I find my way" suggests that the singer is seeking guidance and direction from a higher power. The reference to "spring rain" as the moment of birth hints at a new beginning or rebirth, perhaps facilitated by the cleansing and rejuvenating effect of rain.
The third stanza describes the singer's connection to nature and the world around them. The image of water falling in the forest inside of them symbolizes the natural flow of emotions and thoughts. The line "And the sky sends its light for me to clear my eyes" hints at a moment of clarity or revelation.
The final stanza brings together the singer's personal journey and their connection to the universe. The reference to "Nature's body" suggests a sense of oneness with the world, and the phrase "It's angels' party in my body" implies a celebration of the soul. The idea of "dancing with timeless soul" suggests a sense of spiritual transcendence and the ultimate reunion with a higher power.
Overall, "Spring Rain" is a deeply introspective and symbolic song that speaks to the universal human experience of seeking meaning and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Inner falls
The emotions that are usually hidden inside are now cascading out freely
Search my soul
Looking for enlightenment and answers from within
My silent soul
The stillness within, devoid of any words or noise
Inner lights
The sparks of hope and positivity within oneself
Need the sound of father sun before I find my way
In order to move forward in life, I need the guidance and support of a higher power
In a spring rain I was born
Just like the beauty and freshness of spring rain, I am reborn and rejuvenated
On my hands
The water is symbolically washing away the dirt and impurities on my hands
Water's falling in the forest inside of me
The cleansing process is happening deep within me, like a forest being watered
I'm already too far
Despite the challenges, I have come too far to turn back now
And the sky sends its light for me
A glimmer of hope and positivity is being sent from the universe
To clear my eyes
To help me see things in a different, clearer way
In this body
Within this human form
Nature's body
Connected to the natural world around me
I've found my soul
I have discovered my true self and my purpose
It's angels' party in my body
A celebration of spiritual growth and enlightenment happening within me
We'll dance with timeless soul
Free from the constraints of time, we will dance together in perfect harmony
In spring rain
In the beauty and freshness of new beginnings
Contributed by Elijah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.