Meet Reggae Artist Jahlani Muziq (Jamaica): Artist Spotlight

Jahlani Muziq Introduction

Rashaine Santoney Foster, better known as Jahlani Muziq was brought into this world on June 13th, 1992. He was born in Hannah Town, in one of the roughest ghettos in the capital of Jamaica, Kingston. He attended St Joseph’s Infant and St Aloysius Primary. While there, he was a member of the football team, Captain of the cricket team, Head Boy for 2 years, a member of the Drama Club, a lead singer in the school choir and President of the Builders Club.

Bushmaster

As such he got the nickname ‘Bush’ after the president of America at the time, George W. Bush. Throughout high school, the nickname ‘Bush’ stuck with him and so when he started doing music professionally in high school he used the stage name ‘Bushmaster’.

He then graduated with 3 scholarships to Campion College where he played football and Cricket. He graduated from Campion with a government scholarship to attend The Mico Teacher’s University. There he studied to become a Mathematics teacher. This was following in the footsteps of his father Jeffery Foster; one of the most known and respected Mathematics teachers in Kingston, JA.

Professional Background

His passion for music was fostered at the tender age of five. He began singing in church and at home with his older cousin. His cousin is also a recording artist.

He first ventured into music at the age of fifteen. He was introduced to a program called Fruity Loops by his friends at Campion College. Using Fruity Loops, he taught himself to build dancehall and reggae riddims. Soon after, his talents were recognized by a producer. The producer brought Jahlani to the studio. There he received his first experience of professional recording mixing and mastering.

Musical Transformation

Jahlani soon began producing and even produced songs. In fact, some of his productions were so good they got steady radio play.
Using this earlier success as motivation, he continued to shape his craft. At the age of 21, he began making the transition from composer/engineer/producer to a professional recording artiste.

All of the songs that he was writing were conscious and uplifting. Because of this, he decided to change his name to Jahlani. This derives from the East African word Jelani, which means mighty and strong.

His musical journey has introduced him to many greats in the industry. The most noteworthy is legendary reggae artist, Luciano. “Jah Messenger” has since become like a second father and mentor to him.

What’s Next?

Currently, he is set to release his debut EP titled “Trod On.” after the main track in the month of June after already releasing two songs ‘After 4’ and ‘Rastafari Love.

When he isn’t in the studio or writing he loves spending his time playing football and enjoying the company of his daughter and friends. Jahlani Muziq is now seen as one of the most promising underground reggae acts with an ever-increasing following who many believe will be a mainstay in music once he gets the recognition his talent deserves