André Jahnoi (on-dray jan-oy) stands out from the bustling British music scene as a revolutionary creative whose sonic tapestry is intricately woven with the threads of his ancestry. He performs under his first and middle names, the latter of which is an Amharic term of veneration closely translated to 'majesty'. Self-defining as an activist, academic and artiste, his journey in music is not just about entertainment but also a profound exploration of identity, resistance, and liberation.

 

Influenced by a diverse array of thinkers, Jahnoi draws inspiration from the likes of Peter Tosh, Nas and Walter Rodney to produce modern interpretations of age-old struggles. André's Afro-Jamaican heritage is not just a theme in his music; it is the heartbeat that grounds and guides his artistic endeavours. Born and based in Liverpool, a city rich in culture but built on bloodshed, Jahnoi navigates the intersections of his Afrikan roots and British upbringing with a finesse that is both reflective and generative. His lyrics serve as a bridge between worlds, inviting listeners to explore the complexities of diasporic identity and the resilience required to thrive within it. In a world marred by systemic injustices, his music becomes a rallying cry for those seeking freedom and serves as a crucial soundtrack to the coming insurrection.

 

Jahnoi boldly declares his mission as decolonial, using his rhymes as a powerful tool wielded against the Babylon systems that confine our perceptions of the world and our roles within it. The depth of his lyrical compositions serves as a conduit for interrogating societal norms, offering listeners a transformative experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional hip-hop. These provocative tunes are positioned in constant conversation with his visual art and academic research, amalgamating to produce cohesive projects which are as impactful as they are entertaining. Creating all of his imagery and videos himself, the visuals are not an afterthought nor merely aesthetic, but in fact a central component of each project as a complete work of art.

 

His live performances, which are simultaneously captivating and liberating, integrate call-and-response battle cries borrowed from freedom movements across the globe to create a momentary oasis of connection and hope for crowds from Liverpool to New York to Colombia. In addition to a growing reputation for bringing a unique energy to a range of hip-hop and poetry events across the North-West, André has crafted bespoke sets for diverse organisations including International Slavery Museum, Big Help Project, BLaST Network, Wirral Wellness Festival, Birmingham City Council Black Worker's Guild and Shakespeare North Playhouse. Opening for legendary dub poet Mutabaruka remains a career highlight upon which he hopes to continue to build.

 

Beyond the stage, André actively organises within his community, co-directing a radical student organisation and using his platform to demand radical social change. As he continues to evolve as an artist and person, his trajectory becomes more than a musical journey; it transforms into a cultural movement. His relentless creativity coupled with an unshakeable commitment to decolonial action converge to create a multifaceted artist whose impact extends far beyond the realm of hip-hop. The fusion of Caribbean rhythms, wheel-and-come wordplay, and radical Rastafari thought not only makes his art distinctive but also positions it as an integral part of the contemporary cultural dialogue.

 

His debut album Akoben, released in August 2024, uses the rhythms of the Afrikan diaspora to chart the journey of a community coming to overstand the Babylon systems that divide us, and the urgency of the need to mobilise to dismantle them. Forthcoming projects will take a more introspective approach to exploring these issues, focusing on the struggles of finding love, identity and connection amidst the final days of empire.