Get to Know Interview Book
Oj ThaGreat
BIOGRAPHY
Othis Newton a.k.a. O.J. Tha Great is an artist whose style embodies an eclectic, spiritual and soulful vibe, which when infused with the pulsating rhythms of the electronic age and the riveting beats of the Reggae drums gives birth to a unique sound. The vibration that emanates from this particular aspect of his art is so profoundly different. This unique sound along with the blends of varying genres creates an intriguing art form.
Born and raised in the cool and mystic hills of St. Andrew, Jamaica, at an early age his musical influence would primarily come from his father Tuffy, of the twin duet Ruffy & Tuffy, whose message was manifested as liberating reggae music. He explains, ” as a child I would hear melodies in the varying sounds of the wind, later on in life I have come to call this phenomenon, the Mystical Melodies. I believe this a direct gift from my ancestors”.
At the elementary stage of his life he was an active member of the Lannaman’s Preparatory School Choir and Performing Arts Society. They participated in Jamaica’s Cultural Development Competition (J.C.D.C), where they would win gold and silver medals for their choir pieces and O.J. also received two silver medals for a dub piece for two consecutive years. Whilst in secondary school he was a part of the St.Georges College Choir that helped to comprise the Jamaica National Fifty Voices, which performed for Queen Elizabeth ll of England in 2002. He along with four other friends later formed a Reggae group – R.C.L.O.
After a long sojourn and deviation- as he had found himself on the wrong side of the law and had gotten incarcerated for a year- from his musical path, he began writing again. However, this time, in a more prolific air. His music now resonates a light essence, which is a reflection of his own aura. With steadfast determination and his meticulous work ethics, he is certainly fated to attain his destiny of being a musical light.
“The sooner a man acknowledges how GREAT he is from birth, is the sooner he breaks free from all failures of success” – O.J. THA GREAT