JALAM’S BIOGRAPHY

Jalam “The one who knows: the humble son of El� (Jamal Moncur) was born March 16th 1978 on the serene picturesque island of Cat Island, in The Bahamas. With his father gone he, was raised by a strong mother who encouraged his endeavors. He schooled at New Bight primary and then went on to Old Bight High school. Jalam participated in school talent shows all through primary and high-school highlighting the fact that he performed reggae songs for his teachers and classmates, beating on the desks to mimic a local melody. Praised by school teachers and champion in his English and Literature classes, Jalam had a keen way with words. He is well known for his poetic creativity and lyrical ability having created songs perfect for the times. This won him the title of Mr. Popularity at age 15. He graduated high-school in 1996, moved to Nassau, Bahamas and then joined the Royal Bahamas Police Force in hopes of securing a stable income.

But as fate had it, Jalam was stricken with a rare case of rapidly spreading eye disease, and doctors told him if he hadn’t caught it when he did, he would have been a blind man today. After having his delicate eye surgery he never returned to work on the Police Force. Jalam then studied to become a computer technician. After-which he obtained a position at an offshore bank where worked for a year until…..

In 2001 Jalam met Michael Hoyte and Ian Williams, two artists and musicians, who later became influential in his pursuits. These gentlemen inspired and encouraged him to fulfill his music dreams and taught him the ropes of the Bahamian and international music industry. They began to work together on an album immediately. Jalam released his first 3 singles (“No Mama Man�, “Jah Guides�& “Sufferation�) over the next year and a half. This created a huge buzz nationally and internationally. The first single being “No Mama Man� which became an anthem in the Bahamas, that stretched down as far as Trinidad and Tobago and up as high as London, Jamaica, Cuba , Turks & Cacois and on South Beach’s strips. Having performed in popular Miami night spots such as Club Bermuda, and Club MVP, local boat cruises, island regattas and opening for “Baby Sham� at The Zoo nightclub, Jalam was becoming a household name and a tough act to follow. With internet sales reaching as far as Yugoslavia, Jalam knew it was time to take his talent to the next level.

Jalam’s first big opportunity to perform in front of thousands came when he was asked to perform at The Reggae All -stars Concert. A huge annual concert put on by the family of the late Bob Marley. He opened for headliners such as Glen Washington, Capleton, Morgan Heritage and Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, just to name a few. He gave an electrifying performance which made his talent known from that moment on.

Jalam became synonymous for his conscious lyrics and positive vibes. Fan's see this as a rare quality in music today. This new found consciousness shone through especially after losing his brother and one of his close friends to senseless and violent killings within the same year. This played a major role in the direction of his lyrics, as these were influential figures in his life. Jahlam’s life seemed to be overwhelmed with pain and sorrow after his close cousin died in a drowning accident. Jalam then used music as an outlet which lead to the completion of this first album.

Jalam attributes his music to his love for the art. He looks at it as a mechanism to deliver his important message to the world with Word, Power & Sound!