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.
The Beggar's Cup
Nhojj Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am lying here in rags
But I don′t need no money
I want something that will last
I am sitting in the sunshine
But all I feel is rain
I wish I knew the answers
Winter is coming
But I have no where to go
I hope I don't die this time around
I hope I find my way back home
Cause they say that I cannot live out here in the streets
They say this is no place for me to be
They say this box is not a home
They say that man cannot live alone
That′s why my hands they are trembling
Cause I'm tired and I'm scared
Tonight my cup is empty
It hasn′t been filled in years
So put a little bit a love in my cup now
Put a little bit of love today
Put a little bit a of love in my cup
Put a little bit of love today
The Beggar's Cup is a poignant musical piece by Nhojj that tells the story of a homeless person begging for something that will last. The lyrics open with the beggar at a corner, lying in rags and seeking something that is more meaningful than money. The beggar wants something that will make a difference in their life, something that will fill their cup and give them hope.
As the lyrics progress, we learn that the beggar is sitting in the sunshine, but all they feel is rain, which speaks to their despondency and hopelessness. The beggar wants answers to their situation so they can end their pain. Winter is coming, but the beggar has nowhere to go and fears that they might die out in the streets. The lyrics also highlight the societal pressure that homeless people face, with people telling them that they cannot live on the streets or in cardboard boxes as the world judges them harshly.
The final verses of the song are a cry for help, with the beggar's cup being empty for years. They are asking for a small bit of love to be put in their cup, to get them through another day. The reader can't help but empathize with the beggar, who is seeking something as simple as love and compassion, something they haven't had for years. The lyrics carry a powerful message of the need for empathy and compassion in society.
Line by Line Meaning
I am begging at this corner
I am located at this corner, begging for help from people passing by.
I am lying here in rags
I am lying down here in tattered and worn-out clothing.
But I don't need no money
I do not require any form of monetary aid.
I want something that will last
I require something that will endure and provide long-term assistance.
I am sitting in the sunshine
I am positioned in a sunny location.
But all I feel is rain
Despite the sunshine, I feel grief and misery.
I wish I knew the answers
I desire knowledge and understanding.
So I could end this pain
In order to stop my suffering.
Winter is coming
The season of winter is approaching.
But I have no where to go
I have nowhere to take shelter when it arrives.
I hope I don't die this time around
I am afraid and hoping that I do not pass away this winter.
I hope I find my way back home
My hope is to be guided back to my home, wherever that may be.
Cause they say that I cannot live out here in the streets
People say I cannot survive on the streets.
They say this is no place for me to be
They show me the unsuitability of the street life.
They say this box is not a home
Telling me that the cardboard box is not the right place to call home.
They say that man cannot live alone
People say we can't go through life by ourselves.
That's why my hands they are trembling
The uncertainty and fear of my situation manifests in my hands.
Cause I'm tired and I'm scared
Reason being that I am fatigued and uneasy.
Tonight my cup is empty
At present, the container I hold is vacant.
It hasn't been filled in years
Over the years, my cup hasn't been filled with supplies.
So put a little bit a love in my cup now
Pour some kindness and affection into my container right away.
Put a little bit of love today
Offer me some love and affection today.
Put a little bit a of love in my cup
Place some loving care into my beggar's container.
Put a little bit of love today
Show me some love and concern today.
Writer(s): John Martinborough
Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.