At just 13 years old, Toronto-based, Jamaican-Canadian singer, actress, and philanthropic protégé Jazmin Headley is stepping into a space where few artists, young or seasoned, ever get the opportunity to occupy, reimagining one of reggae’s most sacred chants alongside a “living legend.”
Jamaican-born, New York-based entertainment publicist Anthony “ER Guru” Turner told Caribbean Life on Monday, March 30, that the song is “None A Jah Jah Children Nuh Cry,” originally recorded in 1975 by Nyabinghi elder Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus.
“Revered for decades as a spiritual anthem of hope, resistance, and divine comfort, the track is now being reborn for a new generation with Jazmin’s voice helping to carry its timeless message forward,” Turner said.
“Jazmin’s involvement in the project was intentional,” he added. “Ras Michael is bridging generations, including a young singer like Jazmin in the project, ensuring that the spiritual essence of Nyabinghi music continues to live and breathe through youth.”
Jazmin also told Caribbean Life that, “it’s such an incredible honor that someone as talented as Ras Michael recognized my talent and has given me such an opportunity.
“It’s an incredible privilege to be part of a song with such a powerful meaning,” she added.
“It’s an incredible privilege to be part of a song with such a powerful meaning,” she added.
Jazmin said the songs resonated instantly, despite being recorded decades before she was born.
“It’s talking about how during such a difficult time, there is a special place for the children… and hope,” she said. “There are newer beginnings, no matter what.
“To sing a song that has such a powerful impact on other people — it meant a lot to me,” Jazmin added.
“It’s talking about how during such a difficult time, there is a special place for the children… and hope,” she said. “There are newer beginnings, no matter what.
“To sing a song that has such a powerful impact on other people — it meant a lot to me,” Jazmin added.
For Ras Michael, inviting Jazmin onto the project was about authenticity and connection to the message.
“This song carries a message that uplifts people, irrespective of color, class or where they might come from,” he said. “It brings you to a comfort zone… It’s spiritual and natural, but the spirit is first.”
“This song carries a message that uplifts people, irrespective of color, class or where they might come from,” he said. “It brings you to a comfort zone… It’s spiritual and natural, but the spirit is first.”
By pairing Jazmin with Reggae heavyweights like Maxi Priest, David Hinds of Steel Pulse, the late Sinead O’Connor, Empress Ichell-Floatis, Michael Enkrumah, Son of Ras Michael, and Natalie Rutkin, “Ras Michael is crafting a version of the song that is both rooted and expansive,” Turner said.
He said Jazmin traveled from Toronto to the New York/New Jersey area to record her part, “a decision that underscores her commitment to the project.”
“I felt very honored and excited to be part of such a big project,” Jazmin said.
“I felt very honored and excited to be part of such a big project,” Jazmin said.
Turner, who witnessed the session with producer Paul Drew Gad, noted her confidence, taking on a traditional Nyabinghi chant with the same ease as a modern pop record.
He said the reimagined track will support nationals in western Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa.
“This gives the song’s message of comfort a real-world impact,” Turner said.
“This gives the song’s message of comfort a real-world impact,” Turner said.
