Jahmali

Ryan Thomas (born: 5 April 1972, Vere, Clarendon, Jamaica) was the ninth of 10 children and was raised among the sugar plantations in the Jamaican countryside. His love for the dancehall sounds of Shabba Ranks, Pinchers, Red Dragon and Wayne Wonder inspired a move to Kingston, where he embarked on his own musical career. He received encouragement from King Jammy, Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell and Tony Rebel, although they remained hesitant about producing his work. Rebel subsequently introduced Thomas to the Rastafarian faith, which prompted a radical change in the young singer’s approach. 
Performing as Jahmali, he began voicing hits for Donovan Germain, Bobby Digital and Roof International’s Barry O’Hare. A string of hits followed, including the inspired ‘Victory’, ‘Let Me Live’, ‘Wake Up’ and ‘El Shaddai’. Jahmali’s association with O’Hare led to a collaboration with Mikey Spice, who had set up his own Ingredients label. Spice produced for Jahmali’s ‘Let Jah Be Praised’ and ‘Only Love’, both of which demonstrated his new, conscientious stance. Jahmali’s critically acclaimed debut album featured many top Jamaican performers, including Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, Sly And Robbie, Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore and Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett. Jahmali’s reputation was further enhanced when he recorded ‘Mother’s Cry’ with Buju Banton, featured on the latter’s accomplished 1997 release Inna Heights. Following his combination success, Jahmali released his own ‘Cry People’ and the haunting ‘Politics’.
==Links to Peel==
Peel seemed to have discovered Jahmali in late 1997 when he played his Politics track on his show. Further material from the singer was played on his radio programmes and in 2002, he nominated the singer's Face The Challenge single as record of the month for October 2002 (Peel's Record Box).
==Shows Played==
;thumb|220x220px1997
*11 November 1997: Politics (7 inch) Penthouse
*12 November 1997: Cry People (7 inch) Penthouse
*27 November 1997 (BFBS): Politics (7 inch) Penthouse
*02 December 1997: Cry People (7") Penthouse
*04 December 1997 (BFBS): 'Cry People (7")' (Penthouse)
*11 December 1997 (BFBS): 'Cry People (7")' (Penthouse)
;1998
*13 May 1998: Every Mans Burden (7") Digital B
*20 May 1998: Every Man's Burden (7") Digital-B 
*27 May 1998: 21st Century (7") Penthouse
*02 June 1998: 21st Century (7") Penthouse
*27 June 1998: 21st Century (7") Penthouse
*15 December 1998: El Shaddai (LP - El Shaddai) Penthouse
*20 December 1998 (BFBS): 'El Shaddai (LP-El Shaddai)' (Penthouse)
*December 1998 (FSK): 21st Century (CD - El Shaddai) Heartbeat Europe
;1999
*17 March 1999: No Water (7") Penthouse
*March 1999 (FSK): No Water (7") Penthouse
*13 April 1999: No Water (7") Penthouse
*25 October 1999: 'Many Trials (7")' (KT)
*31 October 1999 (BFBS): Many Trials (7") Jamstyle
*02 November 1999 (BBC World Service): Many Trials (7") Jamstyle
;2001
*27 February 2001: Love Sweeter Everytime (7") Harmony House
*07 August 2001: Wipe The Tears (7") Penthouse
;thumb|220x220px2002
*29 May 2002: Strength To Strength (7” single) Kickin’
*20 June 2002 (Radio Eins): Strength To Strength (7") Kickin
*04 July 2002 (Radio Eins): Strength To Strength (7") Kickin
*11 September 2002: Every Man’s Burden (7") Digital
*03 October 2002: 'Face The Challenge (7")' (The Psalms)
*15 October 2002: Face The Challenge (7") Psalms
==External Links==
*AllMusic
*Discogs
Category:Artists