Taiye Obasunyi, known as JahTea, is set to release his new single titled ‘Vanity’. A graduate of geography from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), he was born a twin over four decades ago to a family of nine in Lagos, but he traces his roots back to the historic and artistic city of Benin in Edo State.
A strong creative strain runs in his family. His uncle, Kenneth Obasunyi, was a lead saxophonist in the late Bobby Benson’s band, while his elder brother, Victor Obasunyi, is a pioneer of Benin contemporary art and has exhibited his works worldwide. Other members of his family are in one way or another art-oriented.
JahTea is also a mosaic artist with commissioned works all over the country.
He fell in love with reggae music over three decades ago listening to the likes of I-Roy, King Yellow Man, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Lucky Dube and says his current influence is Sizzla Kalonji.
Like many artistes, he started his musical career singing in church and specialises in a fusion of roots, culture and dancehall reggae, which he delivers in English, Bini and Yoruba, accompanied also by the keyboard.
Professionally, he started with a three-man band, The Soul-Criers, in 1996 with an album titled Clarion Call and has worked with the likes of Kumboye Sinclair. He is also member of Billy Broncos Roaring Thunder International Sound System, currently his executive producers.
‘Vanity’ is a reality song on how people sell their souls lusting after success and how some others are imprisoned in their wealth. It was produced by Lloyd Cambell of Joe Frazer Records Miami, United States of America. Video for ‘Vanity’ is also set to be released.
I am currently in the studio, he said, working on other tracks like ‘Seize and Settle’, a collaboration with Jomo Morgan of Morgan Heritage, and ‘Freeway’, a collaboration with Lieutenant Shotgun, both set for release shortly. He is managed by StrongBreed Records/Entertainment.