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.
Waiting for You
Nhojj Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My soul has been longing
For some belonging
Searching never found
Ever spinning round
My heart has been waiting
Anticipating
Joy truly ever flowing
CHORUS
I’ve been waiting for you
Been up been down been all around
I yearn the warmth of your sound
I’ve been waiting for you
I hoped and prayed then cried for days
But now you’re here in me
VERSE 2
Motion always comes to rest
Flying birds soon come to nest
Immersed in beauty void of sight
Midnight sun illuminate my night
It’s quiet here inside me
Harmony reigns over me
I come to rest within myself
Here I do belong
CHORUS 2
I’ve been waiting for you
I rest in peace my agony released
I’m sleeping in your arms
I’ve been waiting for you
Melody passes through me and I’m born again
BRIDGE
Now I don’t care what they think about us
I only know there’s peace within my soul
Let them choose whatever Thing that pleases
But it won’t take our love.
In Nhojj's song "Waiting for You," the lyrics express a deep yearning for connection, belonging, and love. The first verse highlights the longing of the soul and the search for something meaningful. The lyrics convey a sense of restlessness as the singer repeatedly searches but never finds what they are looking for. The heart is described as waiting and anticipating, hoping for a joy that is ever-flowing and a peace that goes beyond their understanding.
In the chorus, the singer reveals that they have been waiting for this person they long for. They have experienced ups and downs, and they yearn for the warmth and comfort that this person's presence brings. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and emotional pain as they confess to yearning, hoping, praying, and crying for this person's arrival. But now, this person has finally come into their life, filling them with joy and being present within them.
The second verse uses metaphors to describe the singer's journey towards finding solace. Motion and restlessness eventually give way to finding a sense of home and peace. The singer finds beauty even in darkness and describes an inner quietude. Harmony prevails within them, and they find a sense of belonging within themselves. The lyrics suggest that this inner stillness and self-acceptance bring a profound sense of peace and contentment.
The bridge emphasizes the singer's disregard for others' opinions about their relationship. They prioritize the peace within their soul and their love for this person above societal judgments. The lyrics invite the listener to focus on the tranquility they have found and disregard any external judgments.
Overall, the song "Waiting for You" speaks to the universal human yearning for connection, love, and a sense of belonging. It highlights the transformative power of finding the right person and the inner peace that can be achieved through love and acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
My soul has been longing
I have felt a deep longing in my soul
For some belonging
To feel a sense of belonging
Searching never found
I have searched but never found
Ever spinning round
Always in a constant state of motion
My heart has been waiting
My heart has been patiently waiting
Anticipating
Expecting with excitement
Joy truly ever flowing
A continuous flow of joy
Peace beyond my knowing
Peace that surpasses my understanding
I’ve been waiting for you
I have been patiently waiting for you
Been up been down been all around
I have experienced highs and lows, and have traveled far and wide
I yearn the warmth of your sound
I long for the comforting sound of your presence
I hoped and prayed then cried for days
I had hopes and prayers, but eventually cried for days
But now you’re here in me
But now, you are finally here within me
Motion always comes to rest
Movement always comes to a halt
Flying birds soon come to nest
Birds in flight eventually find a place to settle
Immersed in beauty void of sight
Fully absorbed in beauty, even without seeing it
Midnight sun illuminate my night
Even in the darkness of night, the midnight sun sheds light on me
It’s quiet here inside me
There is a calmness within me
Harmony reigns over me
A state of harmony prevails within me
I come to rest within myself
I find peace and contentment within myself
Here I do belong
This is where I truly belong
I rest in peace my agony released
I find peace and release from my pain
I’m sleeping in your arms
I feel safe and secure in your embrace
Melody passes through me and I’m born again
Music flows through me and rejuvenates my spirit
Now I don’t care what they think about us
I no longer concern myself with what others think of us
I only know there’s peace within my soul
All I know is that there is peace within my soul
Let them choose whatever thing that pleases
Let others choose whatever pleases them
But it won’t take our love
But it will not diminish our love
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: JOHN MARTINBOROUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind