On the nineteenth day of February, in the year nineteen hundred and eighty two, a special star appeared in the sky, heralding a new birth. This new birth came to Allorie Heath who named her little bundle of joy Wayne Damion-Nesta Buchanan. Certainly, she thought her son a very special child, but it was the years to come that would truly prove just how special.
Wayne began singing at a very tender age. At eight years old, he was already doing dub-plates on a number of sound systems in and around his community. A seed was planted but was apparently growing in a direction God did not intend, and so He stepped in and did a little transplanting. At age twelve, Wayne was no longer singing on August Town’s sound systems; he was now singing in the church, singing for Jesus. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour.
In the Bible, Nathaniel asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Undoubtedly, this is a question often asked of Wayne’s home town: “What good could possibly come out of August Town? Wayne rose to the challenge to prove to Jamaica that all things are possible with God.” So much was his conviction that with Christ he could accomplish anything, that he now calls himself JAI, meaning Jesus And I.
Just how did he prove his point to Jamaica? Although Wayne has been singing in church from age twelve, it is believed that his Ministry for Jesus really started in 1997 when he became lead singer for the group, “Total Praise.” In 2001, the group entered the JCDC Gospel Festival and made it to the finals among the Top Ten. Their entry, “Turn your Eyes” “ was recorded among those of the other nine contestants.
He later became a member of the well-known band, “C-Sharp.” Yet, JAI was on a journey and so there was no stopping for him. Jamaica was made even more aware that indeed something great was coming from August Town, when they heard his hit single, “Can’t Take My Lord.” This was done when JAI signed to Johnny Clarke’s label, Marjohnmuzik. This song in itself is a reflection of the vocalist’s heart: Because it is all about Jesus and I, then you can take everything away.my house, my carbut Jesus and I are inseparable.
In 2003, JAI joined Katalys Crew, a revolutionary reggae gospel band. This newly formed group, with JAI as lead vocalist and composer sent waves rippling across
Jamaica with hits after hits after hits. On the album, “Open Your Eyes,” JAI with
partnering DJ, Radic, pierced the soul with hits such as, “Open Up Your Eyes,” “David Dance, etc. On Katalys’ “Christmas Inna Jamdown” he hit the masses with “Prayer for Change (Rap-pa-pam-pam)”, etc.
JAI continued his journey with Jesus by ministering on other collaborative projects such as DJ Nicholas’ “On the Shout,” Ryan Mark's “Chosen Prodigy,” Our Father’s Music Business- “Reggae for Christ” with the hit single, “Ease and Settle” which debuted number nine on the American Gospel Chart. JAI ran the race with “Recharge 2003,” and is also popular for “God is Always with Me” on the “YOW 2003” album.
Prior to being a member of Katalys Crew, JAI joined Nadine Blair’s Perpetual Praise Team known for inspirational praise and worship ministry. He continued singing with them on occasions while he was in Katalys and continues to do so today. What is most unique about JAI is that he never just joins the throng of singers. Whatever group he is a part of, he adds his own unique style.it would seem that God has given him the gift of reaching one’s soul with the energy and passion in his presentation. And so it is even with this big group of talented ministers.JAI stands out.
In February, 2006, JAI’s contract with Katalys ended. Nevertheless, the journey with Jesus was not to be ended. As such, JAI started his solo career, operating under his own label, “Image Records.” Seeing him now in action, you know instantly, that although it is said to be his solo career, he certainly isn’t travelling soloit is all about “Jesus and I”.best friends! As a solo minister, JAI has been spreading the gospel beyond the contours of Jamaica—He has travelled to Canada, St. Martin, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Grenada and Antigua.
Under “Image Records,” JAI’s ultimate aim is to reflect the true essence of Yeshua—declaring through music, only as the Lord leads. Hence he lends himself only to being led by Jesus himself. This is reflected in the music he writes, a special touch here and there in the musical arrangement and definitely his hallmark—an energetic high in his vocal presentations.
Currently, JAI is busy working on his debut solo Album, “Best Friend.” The title in itself tells how much he believes in Jesus being his sole source of inspiration and hope through all his life experiences. The album, though yet to be launched, already has hit singles going across and saturating the air waves. These include “Best Friend,” “All I Need,” “Love” and “Shout Jah.”
JAI is really on a journey, and each person, whether a member of his backing band, friends, acquaintances or merely members of his audience, is raptured into his delivery because of the anointing under which he minister’s. “All it took was that touch” and now JAI is changing lives, having people “Shout Jah.” God’s love transcends through this inspirational artiste and extends to all, and touches our lives.
Shout Jah by JAI
