Yohan Jackman

In the face of young men often being pressured to fit into a mode that leans ever so often to negative choices, Yohan Jackman stands out as proof that the opposite is still true and possible. Born May, 1987 to Raphael and Hazel Jackman, he grew up in the Wortmanville area of Georgetown with his older brother, Yaphet. Throughout his upbringing and education, he was always interested in various creative and cultural subjects in school and at his church, First Assembly Of God, Wortmanville. It was very early on that his gift of singing was recognized by his Sunday school teacher, Lynette Fraser, who encouraged him to “sing more and often” paired him with another young man, Rayon Brandt (residing in the USA). Since then, Yohan has been active in the Worship Team of his local church. After Graduating from St. Stanislaus College in 2006, he began working on his first album, which he says is under very tight wraps but is always celebrated whenever he sings. He claims that he is waiting for the right time to come along before entering the studio. Yohan is into urban gospel music and worship. “Kierra Sheard, Smokie Norful, Izzy, Die-trick Haddon and quite a few other gospel artistes have influenced my style of singing,” he said. “I strive to give my best to God at all times. He’s done way too much for me just to sit and be quiet. I believe my purpose in life is to lead God’s people into His presence through worship. He did a video for his church’s weekly program “Choices” last Christmas but noted that it wasn’t the first video he has done. He however said from experience “every shoot is a different experience but I loved the idea of putting some Christmas Spirit out there on the airwaves!” Entertainer: What are some of the challenges you have faced this far, and how have you been able to overcome them? Yohan: Quality to me is more important that quantity. I want to make sure that when I do any recording, it’s properly done and can compete in the international arena right up there with the best. So finding a great studio is definitely a challenge. Our local standard is improving, and I’m very happy about that. But I’m still shopping around. The copyright situation is also a very touchy one. Artists should be able to benefit in some way, even though it might not be their primary goal. Entertainer: What can patrons to the upcoming Gospel Fest expect from you? Yohan: I’ve done a lot of concerts in and around Georgetown for the year so far, working with Ocie Thomas, Amanda Peters, People of Praise and a whole host of other exceptional artists. I’ve also done pieces at the Upscale Restaurant for Xpress YoSelf GY. I’ve also done some work with Guyenterprise and Global Fund on a few AIDS projects. My next show is Gospel Fest 2009, which will be at the National Cultural Center on September 19th – 20th. The presentation never fails to be one with a difference. I’m working on a few pieces that will be great. Entertainer: What are your thoughts about the music industry? Yohan: We’ve come a very long way, but we still have a long way to go, but personally my genre of music (Urban Gospel) hasn’t really penetrated locally. It’s a different sound because it incorporates elements of spirituals, blues, R&B and jazz into Gospel music, but I believe that the Guyanese public will embrace it. Entertainer: How far do you hope to go with your music? Yohan: I only want to go as far as the Lord is willing to take me. I serve a Global God, so the possibilities are endless. I don’t want to limit Him with the margins that my finite mind would come up with. I’m very excited about the future and I know that a whole lot is in store for me and my ministry. By: Mondale Smith Source: GuyanaLive Blog│Yohan Jackman

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