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 Gay Warrior Song
Nhojj Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am a warrior I step through this door
The enemy is ignorance
The enemy is hate
I am a warrior
I′m fighting for... I'm fighting for...
I′m fighting for Love
But I can see the fear they try to hide
They push the future out in the streets
Of depression and disease
My own people, some so abused
Some don't recognize the God in you
Youth try suicide - we have to help them live
The world needs love - that's what I have to give
Love′s what I have to give
Open your hearts and let Love march in
Courage will free the minds of many today
Knowing the truth of how God made you
Just embrace your true soul
Jah said to love one another
Even as I do love you
Jah said love one another
Because in love you find the truth
Love is the truth
I am a warrior preparing for war
I am a warrior I step through this door
The enemy is ignorance
The enemy is hate
But our weapon is our love
Love′s stronger than hate
Love barricades
Our weapon is our Love
Love's stronger than hate
Sooner or later truth will prevail
I know it will
Our weapon is our love
Love′s stronger than hate
The beauty in our love
Will soon liberate
Love elevates
Your weapon is your love
Love's stronger than hate
The power in your love
Will conquer someday
Love finds a way
My Love is your Love
Our Love is pure Love
Its all One Love
Nhojj's song, "The Gay Warrior Song," is a powerful anthem about standing up against ignorance and hate. The song begins by positioning the singer as a warrior who is preparing for battle against two enemies: ignorance and hate. These enemies are embodied in the societal forces that push the LGBTQ+ community to the margins, causing real suffering and harm. However, the singer is not alone in this fight; they are fighting on behalf of all those who believe in the transformative power of love. They are fighting for love.
The middle of the song takes a more introspective turn, as the singer reflects on the state of their community. Although many forces try to silence and oppress the LGBTQ+ community, the singer can see the fear that lies behind these forces. By pushing youth towards depression and suicide, these forces aim to sow despair and hopelessness. However, the singer believes that love can help us all find hope and meaning amidst the darkness. Even though some LGBTQ+ people feel so abused that they can't recognize the "God in you" (that is, their innate worth and dignity), the singer encourages us all to turn to each other with love and understanding.
The song ends on a note of hope and solidarity. Even though the battle against ignorance and hate may be difficult, we all have a weapon on our side: love. Love is stronger than hate, and it will eventually conquer all. By opening our hearts, we can create a world where people are free to be themselves and to love who they choose. This is the vision of love that the Gay Warrior Song paints - a vision that is powerful, transformative, and ultimately unstoppable.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a warrior preparing for war
I am getting ready to go to battle against intolerance and discrimination.
I am a warrior I step through this door
I am ready to confront the obstacles ahead and fight for what I believe in.
The enemy is ignorance
The lack of knowledge and understanding is what stands in the way of acceptance and equality.
The enemy is hate
The bitter and hostile feelings towards others who are different fuels discrimination and bigotry.
I am a warrior
I am a fighter, a strong and noble pioneer in the battle for progress.
I′m fighting for... I'm fighting for...
I am battling against those who are intolerant and ignorant, for love and acceptance of all people.
I′m fighting for Love
I am a warrior fighting for the power of love to overcome hate and intolerance.
On the right, they claim the victory
Those who are intolerant claim to be victorious in their perspective, but they are only hiding their own fear.
But I can see the fear they try to hide
I can see the uncertainty and anxiety in the hearts of those who are intolerant and hateful.
They push the future out in the streets
They're pushing the future generations into the shadows, making them feel unwelcome and ostracized from society.
Of depression and disease
This causes the oppressed to feel hopeless and unaccepted leading to anxiety and depression.
My own people, some so abused
Even people within the same community can be victimized and experience prejudice and oppression.
Some don't recognize the God in you
Some may not realize that even if they don't understand, you are still deserving of the same respect and consideration as anyone else.
Youth try suicide - we have to help them live
Many people who face intolerance and prejudice at a young age become so devastated that they may take their lives, and it is our duty to support and help them.
The world needs love - that's what I have to give
What's most necessary in the world is love and that's what I have to give back to the world.
Love′s what I have to give
My responsibility in this world is to share and spread as much love as possible.
Open your hearts and let Love march in
In order to find common ground and understanding, we must be open to one another and let love take the lead.
Courage will free the minds of many today
It takes courage to speak up and stand for what we believe in, especially in the face of intolerance and discrimination.
Knowing the truth of how God made you
To understand that God made everyone and everything in their own beautiful unique ways and that we must embrace our own true selves.
Just embrace your true soul
We should embrace and respect our own identity and differences just as much as everyone else.
Jah said to love one another
A reference to the guidance to love unconditionally from God.
Even as I do love you
We must love others as God loves us.
Because in love you find the truth
The truth lies in love, understanding and acceptance. When we have love for one another, we can find true happiness.
Love is the truth
Truth is found in love and understanding towards others.
But our weapon is our love
Our weapon is the power and strength of our love and acceptance towards everyone regardless of differences.
Love′s stronger than hate
Love is more powerful than hate and we must use it to inspire change and acceptance in the world.
Love barricades
By loving and embracing individuals that we may not understand or agree with, we are creating protection against hate and intolerance.
Sooner or later truth will prevail
In time, acceptance and equality will triumph.
I know it will
I believe that we will reach a future of equality, love and acceptance for all.
The beauty in our love
The wonderful and breathtaking aspect of our love for each other is what will set us free.
Will soon liberate
It is only a matter of time before love breaks down walls and liberates everyone.
Love elevates
Love raises us up, making us better people and better global citizens.
Your weapon is your love
You too can spread love, and that love is your ultimate weapon against intolerance and prejudice.
The power in your love
The strength and supremacy of all of our love will never be conquered.
Will conquer someday
One day, love and acceptance will emerge victorious over hate and resentment.
Love finds a way
Love always finds a way, even when it seems impossible.
My Love is your Love
My love is for all people, regardless of differences and barriers.
Our Love is pure Love
The love that we spread is pure, unconditional and without discrimination.
Its all One Love
Regardless of differences in race, culture or religion, we are all part of one big community, one love and kindness ecosystem.
Writer(s): John Martinborough
Contributed by Austin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.