Written by: Damion Anglin
2021 is a big year for indie alternative fusion singer-songwriter Janine Coombs who goes by the stage name Janine Jkuhl. March 2021 saw the singer, actress and producer among the line-up for the virtual Jazz and Blues Music Festival which returned from a 5 year hiatus under the theme “Bringing back the magic”.
An excited Jkuhl shared “I have always admired the Jazz and Blues festival as being one of the most diverse music festivals that showcases different sides of Jamaican music and culture”. As one of the artistes in its line-up and a first time performer at the event, the artiste recalls how she would always look forward to seeing the acts on the festival and is grateful to be a part of the 2021 showcase. In addition to her performance, Jkuhl expressed that she is excited to see performances from other artistes such as female trailblazer, Lila Ike.
Janine Coombs has always loved being a creative and recalls that from as early as 3 years old, she has been playing the piano and singing to everyone and everything she could. While attending The Queen’s School, she joined the choir and learned to play the guitar before later matriculating to the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts where she graduated with a degree in Jazz. Janine who describes herself as a creative, humble and determined all-rounder, shares that despite her many talents and involvements, music and song writing has been her primary focus. Her love for music ignites a passion to create in her head, bring that creation to life, then perform it for willing audiences.
In a male dominated industry, Janine Jkuhl shares admiration for female artistes with unusual sounds who have broken barriers to promote their music. Among the female talents she admires are Tami and Tessanne Chin and Barbara Streisand. While she has not had much collaborative experience, she recounted her time at Edna Manley where she sang back up in a band for Queen Ifrica and Alaine.
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