Jero - The First Black Enka Singer in Japan
26-year-old American Jero is being described in the Japanese press as the first ever black professional Enka singer in history.
Jero who had a computer engineering degree at the University of Pittsburgh hadn’t planned on becoming a singer, until he was spotted at a karaoke contest by JVC’s scout, where he was a runner-up.
Jero’s great love for traditional Japanese music was instilled in him by his grandmother, whom introduced him to Enka music in the first place. She sadly passed away 3 years ago.
His first single was released in February and became an instant hit. Also check out Jero’s JVC music site.
“I’m so happy to have realized my dream of becoming an enka singer in Japan, something I promised my grandmother (who died three years ago). I’ll do my best for another goal I promised her — to participate in Kohaku (NHK’s year-end singing contest),†Jero remarked.
[via japanprobe]
Subscribe by email: