By Cyndi Ingle
What is it like to be half white and half black? What is it like to be made to feel that you are not “black enough” or “white enough” to be accepted in either world?
On his new single, Half, R&B and Soul artist, JonoJosh (aka JJ Gerber) welcomes listeners to understand what he has experienced as a biracial man. He does this by wrapping his smooth vocals around powerful lyrics that will open the hearts and minds of listeners. Half is his clarion call and ode to self-empowerment.
Originally from Brampton, Ontario, JJ has had a successful career as a dancer/choreographer, working with industry heavyweights such as Marianas Trench, PSY, Carly Rae Jepson, Janelle Parish, Kreesha Turner, and Kirk Franklin. His goal, however, was always to write music and in the last four years he has made his dreams come true.
JJ’s debut EP, Outside was released in 2016, and later that year he was a finalist in CBC’s Searchlight with Andi and her track Caffeine. In 2017 JJ played Gilbert Blythe at the Charlottetown Festival in Anne of Green Gables, becoming the first person of colour to perform the role on a professional stage. In 2019 JJ released the tracks Better, Gold and Restart and in July 2020, Half.
A mellow intro leads us gently into Half as JJ explains, “This is for my people, you know who you are, I hope this helps you understand.”
As he repeats what others have told him…”Don’t you know you’re not white enough, or black enough to do that”, we get an inkling of what the artist is fighting against. Well-crafted lyrics, memorable melodies and JJ’s powerful voice are the tools that this extraordinary performer is using to shed light on his experiences of colourism, which is prejudice based on skin tone.
Breaking barriers and giving passion and pride to biracial people defines Half. The lyrics demonstrate the strength that JJ has in facing down naysayers who try to prevent him from accomplishing all he wants to in life.
His lyrics resonate with listeners as he sings, ‘I’m going say I’m young, half black and proud. I’m going say I’m young half white and proud. I know who I am and I found my pocket. Put me in a box I’ll find the key when you lock it.” JJ wants to be “seen” and he wants others to be “seen” as well, and Half powerfully delivers on this promise.
Facebook *** Twitter *** Instagram
