Jamila B. has been called a “Steel City’s Princess,” and one listen to her soaring vocals let’s you know why she deserves the title. While working with many rappers in Hamilton, Jamila B. always adds her own R&B/pop/hip-hop magic to the songs. Jamila has performed in many venues in Hamilton and other cities in Southern Ontario and opened for the Clipse and Choclair. Her first mixtape is called Diamonds in the Rough.
On Friday, August 24/12 Jamila and the band Afterthought will be playing at Hooters Hamilton, located at 1187 Upper James, Hamilton.
In 2004 Jamila discovered the underground hip-hop scene in Hamilton and the team at Set it Off Entertainment. She started to record her original songs over beats Kwabe Famous found for her. As artists started to hear more about her, Jamila B. started doing more shows. She was often the only R&B act on the hip-hop roster.
Jamila B. also began doing dub plates for deejays. She would write originals over popular tunes and tried her hand at dancehall riddims. As Jamila’s voice was being played in the clubs from Hamilton to Miami, she used Internet radio to promote herself. She gained airplay on Internet stations based in areas such as the U.K., The Netherlands, and even Trinidad.
In this exclusive interview Jamila speaks about her upcoming gig and what keeps her motivated to succeed. If you have never heard Jamila B. live you owe it to yourself to check her (and Afterthought) out!
MB: How long have you been singing?
Jamila: I have been singing since the age of eleven. I started to record my own songs and perform heavily in the Hamilton scene when I was 17.
MB: When did you hook up with the Afterthought Band?
Jamila: I met Afterthought during a rehearsal for a show we were having at the Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls this summer. They are a jazz band from Brampton that consist of Worrell McFarlane on drums, Devin Patten on bass, Nathan Allen on the tenor sax, Michael Staple on the keys, and Mark Enciso Cabunoc on the electric guitar. I was offered a gig to perform at Hooters with a band and decided to ask if they wanted to play that show. They are really fun to work with!
MB: What do you like about Hamilton audiences?
Jamila: What I love about the Hamilton audiences is their support for local talent. This is the city that I grew up in and watched me grow as an artist. They are very appreciative of the arts which is very refreshing.
MB: What gives you the drive to keep on making music?
Jamila: The drive that keeps me making music is a mix of my own determination and also the support from family and friends. I know they have my back no matter what happens, but it gives you more of a reason to push, because you don’t want to let them down.
MB: What have you got planned for your show on Friday?
Jamila: Afterthought and I will be doing a mix of top forty songs along with some R+B tunes people will recognize. You will probably hear an original or two from the guys and myself!
MB: Any upcoming releases in the works?
Jamila: Right now I’m working with a couple of different producers on some new music. I’m just experimenting with a more electronic sound that I’m excited about.
MB: What has been your career highlight so far?
Jamila: I would say my career highlight is actually the growth I have seen and felt as an artist since I started. There is always room for improvement, but I am happy about the things I have accomplished on the way and will keep striving for more.
MB: What are your upcoming gigs?
Jamila: If you’re not able to make the Hooters gig on Friday, I will be singing at Splendid China Mall this Sunday at 3pm!
For more info on Jamila B: http://www.jamilaonline.com/
For more info on Afterthought: https://www.facebook.com/AfterthoughtLIVE
Jamila B. and Afterthought
Friday, August 24/12
Hooters Hamilton
1187 Upper James St., Hamilton
