Jahmiel Foster, better known to us as Jahmiel, has been making music for a long time. Around the age of seven, the Portmore, Jamaican-born Jahmiel began performing. Inspired by Bob Marley (what Jamaican artist isn’t?), Sizzla, and Buju Banton, he set out to create songs that are timeless, with lyrics designed to inspire the human spirit. “I know what music can do, that’s why mi continue on that path,” says Jahmiel. “I can always remember when I go through a down situation, I listen to a Sizzla or Buju Banton and my spirit get lifted,” he adds. “Anytime me come off track mi just listen to any of dem man there.”

Jahmiel has a unique way of combining roots reggae and dancehall, unlike most others, to deliver a great sound and message to his fans. I first heard and saw Jahmiel live about ten years ago in Philadelphia and have been a huge fan ever since. That unique combination he creates pulls me in and lets my mind wander.

The EP begins with “Believe,” an uplifting song about believing in yourself and relying on your family’s support. The track is set over a simple beat and riddim, with lyrics that resonate:

“One one cocoa full basket mama say who is you fi tell we, we nah go nowhere
Don’t believe dat just smile and hold yo head straight dem cyaa stop dis nobody
So me outside pon me grind like everyday
Money pon me mind and me nah left the family
All who doubt man memba a we hyo say
Cause right now we no need no apology.”

Next is “Pitch Back,” another track with a simple beat and riddim, but it’s Jahmiel’s ability to change up his vocals and tempo that makes this song stand out. It’s another positive anthem about progression and growth.

“Protect Your Energy” follows, a song about shielding yourself from negativity. The lyrics are powerful, set against a slower groove and beat:
“Cause people can be deceiving
Be careful a de things weh you believe in
Dem will see your potential but no wah you mek it
See dem a smile but dawg me never trust it
Tell dem watch dem conduct cah we no fraid fi buss it
Dem clothes clean but dem heart dutty.”

The title track, “Patience,” is next, delivering a message about not having everything figured out but taking each day to make sense of it all. Jahmiel once again shines with his lyrics, flowing effortlessly over a solid beat. The tempo of his delivery is smooth, and his voice carries you along with the rhythm.

The EP concludes with “Place I Can Call Home,” a song about hard work, sacrifice, searching for paradise, and finding peace within. This track might be my favorite on the EP. I love the message, Jahmiel’s flow, and the acoustic guitar that pulls you right into the song.

You can’t help but feel good after listening to this collection of songs. Jahmiel has not only released five excellent tracks, but he’s also created music that is timeless, with lyrics that inspire the human spirit. He is a gifted lyricist with a positive and uplifting message, seamlessly combining reggae and dancehall for an amazing and soulful sound.

One Love – Todd M. Judd