Christopher "Irie Jah" Smith was born in Kingston, Jamaica and grew up in a volatile community, learning from a young age the difference between right and wrong as he helped his single mother care for his younger brother. Despite obstacles, he pursued his dream of becoming a singer while working jobs to support his family, and later as a taxi driver to provide for his son born when he was nineteen. His songs are based on his own life experiences overcoming struggles to make a difference in people's lives.

1. “Boy, sometimes these biographies go on forever so I’ll keep mine as short and interesting
as possible.“
Christopher “Irie Jah” Smith was born in the parish of Kingston, Jamaica. Growing up in
the volatile community of East Kingston, Chris, as a toddler and having a strict and seldom
quiet, single mother, had to learn to demonstrate the difference between right and wrong.
His aspiration of becoming a singer and having a proper education was not forthcoming,
as at the age of fifteen Chris had to take on the role of manhood, assisting his mother in
taking care of his younger brother. With attributes such as perseverance and willingness,
Chris struggled, and hustled jobs to make ends meet in order to stay away from the
negativities of the inner city while assisting his family. Despite the obstacles, and being the
ambitious person he is, this did not deter him from being an honest individual.
Not forsaking his dreams, he however, became a father at the age of nineteen and
realised that only with a strong conviction would he survive the hustle and bustle of being a
taxi driver to provide for his son. Never losing sight of the prize of fulfilling his dream of
being a singer, Chris would sing at every opportunity, and when he was depressed, it
provided him comfort.
Chris’ first songs made him realise that life was for everyone – one just had to go and
capture it. So, you’ll find that his lyrics are based on his own life story, and the reality of
living in today’s world.
With love for people and society, the consciousness of his songs is forthcoming and
educating to the listening ear. Chris hopes to touch the heart, and to make a difference to
people’s lives whilst shaping the way for his son.
Chris’ music career had a false start, being hampered by a bad experience that caused
him to give up for a while. But, he’s back now, with more drive and determination than
ever, and in some ways the break has been beneficial and allowed him to reflect and
expand his lyric writing and ideas. Chris writes, directs and performs on all of his own
material.
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/iriejahchris#ixzz0yK436UQD