Today we’d like to introduce you to Jhai.
Jhai, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, music was always part of my life. Everyone in my family did music, so that’s what I was introduced to at a very young age. At just three years old, I began singing when my parents bought me a karaoke machine filled with Kidz Bop songs. When I turned six, I started learning how to play the guitar, piano and flute. My father, Tracy Mitchell, taught me the basics of guitar and then as I got older, I continued to teach myself popular songs from YouTube. In 2007, I joined a kid band called “No Broccoli,” and a year later we would perform in front of four major record labels including Def Jam, Interscope, Atlantic and Sony BMG. I remember singing in front of L.A. Reid and Jimmy Iovine at only ten years old. Although we didn’t get a deal, I continued to pursue music. In middle school, I joined band and sang in church choir and later joined the concert choir in high school. My freshman year of high school, my little sister and I got the amazing opportunity to sing live on The Today Show for the kids’ edition of “The Voice” on the
Kathie Lee and Hoda segment. We sang “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston. That year would also be the year where I lost my great uncle, David Peaston and my grandmother, Fontella Bass. It was extremely tough to get through, but I knew I had to continue the family legacy. Now at the age of twenty-three, I am still pursuing my dreams. I continued to post covers of myself singing and playing the guitar on Instagram and it eventually gave me enough exposure to meet my manager, Kristin Massey. I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s definitely been difficult pursuing my dreams. I was teased as a child for wanting to sing, which made me very self-conscious of my gifts. And when my grandmother fell ill, it greatly affected my family because she was the rock of the family. My mom had to take care of her while raising three children and working a full-time job and being a full-time student. It was extremely tough for us as a family. When she passed, it made me want to give up on music because she was one of the reasons I started. I felt like I couldn’t continue because she was no longer with us. My cousin Niaja, was also suffering from Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. There was a lot of health issues going on in my family and that’s what ultimately led me to major in Biology in college. Being in college and trying to pursue music simultaneously was also another challenge. Often times, I wouldn’t have time or the energy to create music because of class and/or exams. It was hard, but somehow I got through it and I even dropped my debut EP “Ethereal” in December of 2016.
What do you think sets you apart?
I am a singer/songwriter/musician from St. Louis, Missouri. What I think sets me apart from the others is that I am self-taught. A lot of people have asked me if I had any lessons and I always say no because we didn’t have money for that. I learned most of what I know from YouTube. I also have a BS degree in Biology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and I think that sets me apart because most musicians don’t attempt to go to school, or they drop out. But I decided to stick with it and finish.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! Coming from St. Louis, Missouri, I love my city, but it has its challenges and limitations as it relates to music and my community. So when I moved to ATL, it surprised me at how welcoming and supportive the culture is down here. Moving to ATL was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I would definitely recommend moving here because there’s ample opportunity to connect with other musicians and creatives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jhaimusic
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jhaimusic
Image Credit:
Jamil Rhodes
Drew Daro
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