Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, he has built his name and credibility one concert at a time to the extent that Zumjay is a household name in the dancehall-reggae sphere. It is unusual to hear about a dancehall artist enlisting in the military and then enrolling in college. However, Zumjay is unlike any other reggae artist. He has always been multifaceted even during his tenor at Penthouse Records where he was employed as both an audio engineer and recording artist simultaneously.
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” – Bob Marley
While employed as an audio engineer, Zumjay worked professionally with artistes such as Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Morgan Heritage, Beenie Man, and the duo Tanto Metro and Devonte. In March, 2000, a sudden burst of inspiration would change Zumjay’s life forever when he recorded ‘Courtney’, a tribute to West Indies cricketer Courtney Walsh as he (Walsh) closed in on the world record for highest wicket-taker in test cricket history. The song quickly became an anthem, as national pride spiked following Walsh’s remarkable achievement. In February, 2002, Steven “Lenky” Marsden, produced the Diwali beat and Zumjay scored another hit on this infectious musical composition with the ultra-popular ‘Zumjay News’. He followed with ‘Shake It’ that same year which peaked at #3 on Jamaican charts and #1 on various European reggae charts. He continued to record, scoring video hits with ‘Dancing Team’ in late 2004 and ‘Sticky’ in early 2005. Zumjay toured Europe in 2003, 2004 and 2008; the latter, alongside dancehall artist Alozade, playing to several packed venues. He has written and collaborated with Billboard Chart topper, Wayne Wonder and has co-written on Sean Paul’s platinum-selling album, The Trinity.
Since then, Zumjay has completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Saint Leo University, Florida and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Saint John’s University, New York. Also, he has transitioned from the U.S Army to the U.S. Air Force. Despite the rigors of his military duties and educational ambitions, he continues to pursue music, his passion. He is currently working on his first studio album to be released on his Capcha Music record label. Musicians working on the album include reggae-dancehall hit makers Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Steven ‘Lenky’ Marden and Daseca.
Check Zumjay out at www.instagram.com/zumjaymusic or www.youtube.com/user/zumjaymusic
