This month’s First Friday feature may look familiar, as he recently stepped into the spotlight on national television. JAMAI is a local Philadelphia songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and a former contestant on Season 14 of NBC’s The Voice. He sailed through the blind auditions with both Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys turning their chairs and fighting to coach him on their team. We spoke to JAMAI to learn first-hand what it’s like to be a contestant on The Voice and what his next steps are. Although his journey has come to an end on The Voice, we are still huge fans, and look forward to seeing more of him in the limelight!
PPRG: Tell us about how your music career began and led you to The Voice.
JAMAI: Almost 15 years ago, I began releasing music professionally, selling music in several countries online. Since The Voice began, I’ve auditioned about 8 or 9 times, never making it past the first round of production auditions. This year, I got the call from the producers for the additional casting process. Finally, I made it through and the rest is history! I believe that timing is everything.
PPRG: You have an incredible voice! Tell us more about ‘breakup telegrams’ that you mentioned on the show.
JAMAI: My business, J Telegrams, started as a side hustle to make extra cash in high school on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. It was something people would support because I was a kid, but the project started to pick up around holidays or special occasions in people’s lives. When I graduated high school, I decided to make my hustle an official business, and I turned it into an LLC. Since then, I’ve done hundreds of telegrams over the years and “break up” telegrams are just one services. Any type of telegram you can think of, I’ve done it. Engagements, prom proposals, retirements, get well soon telegrams… you name it!
PPRG: That’s amazing! We’re going to have to think of something creative… So during your blind audition on The Voice, not only one but TWO chairs turned for you this season: Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys. What were your expectations going into the competition?
JAMAI: I had no expectations at all. I’ve learned that after many disappointments in life, especially in my career. I never presume why, when, how, or what God is going to do in the situation. My biggest challenge was just making sure to stay in the moment, and stay grateful. And I did.
PPRG: After your performance of ‘U Got It Bad,’ your voice was compared to Usher’s. How would you describe your artistic style?
JAMAI: I totally agree with Kelly Clarkson, and to be honest, I have no regrets picking Alicia Keys as my coach. Sometimes, I think maybe Kelly would’ve been an even better coach for me giving me such sound advice right after meeting me. I would describe my artistic style as “a pop star but also a soul singer” …something resembling Usher, Bruno Mars, and Jason Derulo.
PPRG: What was it like being coached by and working with high-profile musicians like Alicia Keys?
JAMAI: Any picture or video you’ve ever seen of Alicia Keys does no justice to just how stunningly beautiful she is in person. I was so enamored by her grace and just how much she treated me with respect as an artist. I was basically begging her for advice and critiques but she never critiqued me. Instead, she built me up and celebrated my gift.
PPRG: Who are some of your icons and influencers, and why?
JAMAI: My top musical inspiration is Prince, Beyonce, Michael Jackson, and of course the incomparable Stevie Wonder. Prince is the sole reason I am a self-taught guitarist, and he is the reason I have the courage to be so true to my art.
PPRG: While your Voice journey may have come to an end, we hope your singing career has not. What’s next for you?
JAMAI: I am working on a tour, and I’m teaching myself the production side of music. I am excited to continue my music career by producing, writing, and vocal arranging my entire next project by myself.
PPRG: If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what do you think you’d be doing?
PPRG: If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what do you think you’d be doing? JAMAI: I would probably be some type of teacher, or maybe even a missionary. I love God, helping people and giving back.
PPRG: What do you love best about the Philadelphia region? What else do you enjoy doing when you’re not singing?
JAMAI: I love Philadelphia’s old history, own culture and speed. The region is the center of the east coast in my opinion with NYC, and D.C. just a few hours away.
Continue to follow JAMAI’s music journey and career on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
