One who the most High
has given the musical direction to trod into all the
earth and sound his trumpet for the liberation and upliftment
of all race and creed, with the spiritual fire to burn
in, burn out, burn up and burn down the walls of Babylon...
Messenjah Selah [Singer/Songwriter/Producer]
Born, Everton Clarke January 25, 1974 in St. Andrew,
Jamaica. At age 15 he moved to the Virgin Islands, where
he discovered his musical talent and began nurturing
it. He with a couple of his friends decided to start
an accapella group,which matured into a gospel reggae
band where he was the guitarist and lead singer. After
high school, Selah relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. Education
and self-development were his primary focus for the
next few years, while he was preparing to take his purpose
to the next level. Selah searched to find his rightful
place in the musical arena -as the music of Steel Pulse,
Luciano, Sizzla and Bob Marley, penetrates his soul
with word-sound-power inspiration. In 1997, Selah started
recording professionally as a solo artist. A year later
he released his first single "Know Who You Praise,"
months later another, "Reason For Living"
on an independent label -Stereo Records. It gained airplay
on some of Atlanta's most listened to reggae programs
and drew the artist a lot of attention. Messenjah's
standard of writing and performance proved him to be
a creditable artist, who is often compared to those
listed above. His popularity initiated bookings at some
of Atlanta's most popular reggae venues like, the "Atrium",
the "Royal Peacock", "Club Legacy",
"Club ATL," in addition to talent shows, festivals,
"Churhes" and "Shelters". His popularity
continued to increase opening for some of the biggest
names in the reggae industry -artist like Buju Banton,
Beres Hammond, Capleton, Luciano, Beenie Man, Tony Rebel,
Mykal Somer, Sister Carol and Lucky Dube to name a few.
In 1999, Selah was awarded Best New Male Vocalist, by
the Atlanta Caribbean Awards, and another for Best New
Vocalist in 2001. His notoriety broadened as Selah traveled
Nationally and Internationally to spread his message
of love, wisdom and upliftment.
Selah went back to Jamaica where he had the opportunity
to recording with several "grass-roots" producers
and artists, resulting in the release of two singles,
"I Will Survive" [featuring "Luciano"],
and "Joy" [featuring "Sizzla"],
which appeared on his debut album that was Independently
released in 2003. Selah continues to work on various
projects including his second album, "Coming of
the Illustrious Kings" [Zion High Productions label],
soon to be released in 2006. Still moving hearts, touching
souls and liberating the minds of those who listen to
his message and mastery of vocal delivery, it is no
doubt that Messenjah Selah will in due time capture
the attention, imagination and hearts of the musical
world. Selah Appearances: Luciano's album "Serve
Jah" [2003]. Chachis album "Am an African"
[2006]. Island Gruve music works, "Compilation
CD" [2003]. Stargate Records, compilation "Genocide",
[2006]. Ras Kofi "Oganic Sounds.vol.1" [2004],
and also on various Unity Sound "Mix CD" [1999].
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