A singer with American Samoan roots has earned a 2017 Grammy nomination in the reggae category for 2016.
J Boog has been on the reggae scene since 2007 when he released his first solo album ‘Hear Me Roar’ which peaked on Billboard’s Top Reggae Albums chart at #8. His music is considered reggae tinged with R&B, ska and lover’s rock.
J Boog was born Jerry Afemata in Long Beach, California but raised in Compton, California. Afemata was the youngest of eight other siblings – seven brothers and a sister.
He got the nickname “Boog” from his brothers, in reference to his inability while young to sit still.
Boogie says, “I know it’s just a nomination but if a Samoan kid from Compton can be nominated for a Grammy then anything is possible.”
J Boog was introduced to reggae by his sister when she brought home and played a Bob Marley song book for him. He has said in past interviews: “[My family] always sings feel good music and reggae was the best way for us to express that. Reggae music was the only music we could turn up loud which our parents wouldn’t turn off when we were kids.”
