Ginjah

Ginjah is a reggae singer from Jamaica. He is also known by his birth name, Valentine Nakrumah Fraser.

Early life and beginnings

He is born in Hanover parish, Jamaica, and later moves to St. James, where he attends school. While living in St. James, he decides that music is his life. In 1994 he moves to Central Village in Spanish Town and makes his first studio session at the age of seventeen at King Jammy’s studio, a place associated with many major figures in reggae.

Career development

After working around the Central Village community, he helps organise a Young People Talent Search for his home area and also performs in it himself. In 1999 Beres Hammond notices his potential and invites him to Harmony House. He begins recording there in 2000 and tours with Beres Hammond on a Caribbean tour in 2001. He then continues touring with Hammond in places including Europe, Canada, the United States and Japan.

Performances and recognition

Over a period of four years, he performs at almost every major reggae event around the world apart from Africa. In 2004 he appears at Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica and performs immediately before Lionel Richie.