ABOUT jAY j. RA
Jay J. Ra is a boundary-breaking singer-songwriter whose voice and artistry transcend genres. With a versatile sound that moves effortlessly between Pop, R&B, Afrobeat, Classical (Opera), and Gospel, he has carved out a unique space for himself as an international artist with both depth and range.
Born Dadrien Brown on May 11, 1987, in Kingston, Jamaica, music has been at the heart of Jay J. Ra’s life since childhood. He began singing in church at just eight years old, and by the age of fourteen, he had committed himself fully to a career in music. In 1999, at age 12, Jay J. Ra sang the lead to Kirk Franklin’s “Silver and Gold” with his community children’s choir on a broadcast show, on a popular radio station in Jamaica called Roots FM. At twenty, in 2007, he recorded his first demo, “Can You Feel,” showcasing his gift for songwriting and vocal interpretation.
On December 14th, 2008, Jay J. Ra performed “We are the World” alongside other local artists, as opening acts for the Australian soft-rock duo, Air Supply, at the Food For the Poor Children for Charity concert held in Kingston, Jamaica. His father, a reggae artist and producer who worked with legends such as Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Errol Dunkley and Sanchez back in the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s, passed down a rich musical legacy that had some influence on Jay J. Ra’s creative journey.
history
In 2009, Jay J. Ra relocated to Toronto, Canada, to further his studies in music. While pursuing his undergraduate degree at York University, he immersed himself in a wide range of musical disciplines, singing tenor with the York University Gospel Choir, performing classical repertoire in the Male Vocal Ensemble, and training in opera and staged performance.
These experiences shaped his eclectic style and refined his stagecraft, giving him a rare versatility across multiple genres.
Performing under the name D.bé Jayri, he released four albums beginning with the 2016 EP Soul Glimpse. His catalog includes Glorious, Beautiful and Black (2020), Happy Kwanzaa, A Soulful Christmas (2020), and I Am (2022), as well as numerous singles that gained chart recognition.
the music
Songs like “Freedom Song,” “Soul of a Black Man,” and “Beyond the Sky” reached the top 10 on Chicago’s BMS Radio Network charts, while “Sweet Stories” debuted at No. 32 on the American Independent Charts in 2022. His original single “Myself and I” also earned praise from critics, including a review from Blue Rhymez Entertainment, and peaked at No. 33 on the America’s Independent Top 40 Chart. His cover of Mariah Carey’s “Butterfly” later climbed to No. 25 on the same chart.
Jay J. Ra’s performance history is equally rich. He has taken the stage at iconic venues such as Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar in New York, The Bitter End in NYC, Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, and Palace Afrika in Accra, Ghana. In 2022, he reached the quarterfinals of the Opening Act competition, placing 7th in his group for the chance to perform at the Hollywood Bowl.
ancestral roots
In 2024, after uncovering his ancestral roots in Kwahu, Ghana, he embraced a new personal and professional chapter, legally changing his last name to Amen-Ra and adopting the stage name Jay J. Ra. This rebirth deepened his connection to Africa and opened doors for collaborations with Ghanaian artists such as African Child.
His first releases under the new name include “One Day at a Time” (2024), co-written with Jamall Pierre and produced by Nigerian producer Chiosa Fred, and “Sweet Stories 2” (2025), featuring African Child and a solo version produced by Ghanaian producer Dan Bassey.
CHANGES
Most recently, Jay J. Ra released Change (2025), a Pop/Soul/Rock single co-written with Victoria Sola of Nigeria and produced by Chiosa Fred. The track quickly made an impact, peaking at No. 9 on the Euro Indie Music Chart and No. 29 on the American Independent Charts.
He introduced the single on vinyl at Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar in New York before delivering a standout cover of “Rock Steady” by The Whispers. Following that success, he dropped two more singles, “Time” and “Don’t You Worry,” in September 2025, further solidifying his reputation as an evolving artist with global reach.
LISTEN TO JAY J. RA
With a catalog that spans genres, chart recognition across continents, and a powerful voice rooted in both cultural heritage and modern innovation, Jay J. Ra is more than just a singer-songwriter. He is a world-class artist whose music bridges cultures and resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
Check out his discography on all music streaming platforms.
