Onu, however, is unlike many artists that today’s generation may be familiar with. “My whole point is to bring clean, secular entertainment back into the music world because I feel that the influence that artists have on today’s world is bad. And I want to change that, to allow families to watch me on stage.” Not only that, but he is the first person in his family to have become a part of the music industry and believes that it is not necessary to have an artist in one’s family or relatives in order for one to succeed as an artist. A Christian from Nigeria, Onu says his real name used to be Isaac but he changed it to Jah Onu- Jah meaning “God” and Onu meaning “speaker of the people”- a name that he thinks represents him best.

When asked what message he would give to aspiring artists, Onu responded, “The music industry is all about the drive, so if you don’t have the will to do it, you may not succeed. People will say bad stuff about you, but just remember there’s no perfect artist.”

During the Art, Film, and Video’s “I Love the 80’s: Masquerade Ball,” he performed “a medley of his songs including ‘I Need Love’ and ‘I’ma Get It,’ along with ‘Billie Jean’ as a Michael Jackson tribute,” says Kama Waweru, president of AFV. “Students enjoy his dance moves, and from time to time compare his style to Michael Jackson. So this performance was the perfect opportunity to celebrate his influences while showcasing his originality. He put together an impressive routine and executed it amazingly.”

An artist with talent and values, Jah Onu has proven himself to be a great role model for generations to come. Check out his MySpace page for more information.

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