Today we’d like to introduce you to John Johnson.
John, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
To be honest I grew up immersed in the vibrant sounds of soca, conscious reggae, dancehall, and calypso, especially on Saturdays. My father, a native Trinidadian, was central to organizing the Trinidad segment of the iconic Eastern Parkway Labor Day Parade in NYC during the 1980s and early 1990s, with family members actively participating and playing mas. This dynamic cultural heritage shaped my musical foundation and creative spirit.
Two pivotal moments defining my artistic journey include traveling to Jamaica and recording music in the legendary Crafton Studios, founded by reggae icon Mikey Bennett in Kingston—a transformative experience that deepened his commitment to reggae. The second pivotal moment was being a red carpet guest at the 41st International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), standing alongside legends in reggae music, which solidified his place in the international reggae community.
The path has not been without challenges: I faced many financial hurdles while launching my own label, took on multiple roles from writing to producing music for myself and others, and dealt with the trials of people taking advantage of my rise as both an artist and businessman.
Over time, my sound and music production have become more professional as I gained experience in the performance artist and industry. Each collaboration and song I write contributes to my growth and evolution, with the trip to Jamaica playing a crucial role in evolving my own unique reggae sound from working with some of the best there.
When it comes to collaborations, I honor every artist I worked with—showing deep gratitude for those from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands, Belize, and America. Each collaboration has been a learning experience, shaping my sound and expanding my vision as an international reggae artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been entirely smooth. Music production demands significant financial resources, support, advice, responsibility, and much more. Beyond that, writing quality music that leaves a lasting legacy for families, fans, and future generations is a core mission I hold deeply. Balancing all this while being a family man makes the journey even more challenging.
As a genre-bending artist, the struggle can be more complex than for artists who focus on just one genre. Juggling multiple styles while managing different aspects of the business often leaves me concerned about timelines and deadlines.
Honestly, doubt still creeps in occasionally. In the early days, there was hype and excitement, but when progress stalls, doubts naturally arise—it’s human to question forward momentum.
My business model is centered around doing things the right way. Whether it’s paperwork, meetings, collaborations, or recording sessions, I believe in doing each step properly and with integrity, because that approach truly feels better to me and builds a solid foundation for lasting success.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an international reggae artist, producer, songwriter, and performer with roots in Brooklyn and Trinidadian heritage. My music blends reggae, soca, Afrobeat, and Latin rhythms to create a sound that’s conscious and culturally rich. I really focus on making music that connects deeply with people and carries positive, uplifting messages.
One thing I’m proud of is my album “Rising Sun.” I not only produced it but also perform it completely live at festivals and shows, which is something that takes a lot of dedication and energy. It’s important to me to bring that live Caribbean vibe to my performances and really share the heart of the music with the audience.
I try to stay true to my creativity by blending genres and pushing boundaries in a way that feels natural. My goal is always to celebrate unity and culture through my music while staying authentic to who I am. I think what sets me apart is really my commitment to both the studio and live performance, and my passion for sharing music that speaks across cultures and brings people together.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Starting and running my own label has been one of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my career. It comes with heavy financial and operational challenges, and juggling the many hats of artist, producer, and businessman means carrying a lot of responsibility with limited outside support. It’s a constant balancing act that not everyone sees.
Being a genre-bending artist, moving between reggae, soca, conscious reggae, and dancehall, can be riskier than sticking to one style. The market isn’t always sure how to receive that kind of versatility, so it’s a challenge to establish a clear identity and connect with different audiences.
I’ve also taken risks investing in quality music production, like recording in Jamaica’s Crafton Studios, and putting myself out there on big platforms such as the International Reggae. Starting and running my own label has been one of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my career. It comes with heavy financial and operational challenges, and juggling the many hats of artist, producer, and businessman means carrying a lot of responsibility with limited outside support. It’s a constant balancing act that not everyone sees.
Being a genre-bending artist, moving between reggae, soca, conscious reggae, and dancehall, can be riskier than sticking to one style. The market isn’t always sure how to receive that kind of versatility, so it’s a challenge to establish a clear identity and connect with different audiences.
I’ve also taken risks investing in quality music production, like recording in Jamaica’s Crafton Studios, and putting myself out there on big platforms such as the International Reggae and World Music Awards. These moves are strategic — they help build my credibility and expand my reach—but they are still leaps of faith.
In how I run my business, I stick to doing things the right way. Whether it’s paperwork, meetings, or collaborations, I avoid shortcuts. That approach might feel safer and more cautious, but to me, it’s about building something solid and meaningful that will last long term.and World Music Awards. These moves are strategic — they help build my credibility and expand my reach—but they are still leaps of faith.
Pricing:
- Event Hosting and Emceeing Services — $250
- Personalized Virtual Performance or Exclusive Meet & Greet — $300
- Live 45-Minute Performance with DJ — $600
- Custom Songwriting and Music Production Session (per track) — $800
- Live 45-Minute Performance with Full Band — $1,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tefkemetmusic.com
- Instagram: @tefkemet https://www.instagram.com/tefkemet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tefkemet
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tefkemet-music-%C2%AE%EF%B8%8F-629427204
- Twitter: https://x.com/tefkemet
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tefkemetmusic
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/bfqfnA6IdtolLSEsH0
