Born in London, singer Donovan Kingjay spent his formative years in Lucea, Hanover, JA, before he returned to the UK, where he finished his schooling and began his musical education. Formally known as “Singjay” he served his apprenticeship on Youth Sound Lord Creation before becoming a regular on East London’s King Original and North London’s King Josiah.

 

Early development as an artist gave him his first recording opportunities. Singjay’s first release was the self-penned “State of Mind”, which was followed by many more releases. Donovan Kingjay’s debut album“Higher Meditation” was partly produced by himself and artist/musician/producer Nereus Joseph. Donovan has been influenced by Dennis Brown, Bushman and Luciano as can be heard when listening to the songs. Donovan Kingjay performs regularly around London and the South of England and at various events across Europe.

 

2015 has seen Donovan Kingjay perform at a variety of events including: Notting Hill Carnival, Reggae Star Factor as Guest Performer, DubUniversity Showcases @ Scala, Reggae Splash, Jamaica Rum Tings, Reggae Roast Courtyard Carnival @ Ministry of Sound, Sardina Reggae Festival, Regular Appearances alongside Channel One Sound System. With more dates added every month throughout 2016.

 

Articals:

Rubadub Presents Channel One and Donovan Kingjay

 

Review of Higher Meditation

 

 

Music - Discography:

Higher Meditation - CD Album - SSC Records Missing You - SSC & SOC Production Rastafari Children - High Elements

Stop the War - Unrulee Records

Be Thankful - Conscious Sounds

Fyah Warrior - Roots Resolute Records

Babylon Time - Scott Bonnet

The Ways of the Rightious - Unrulee Records

Mention Africa - Reality Sound System

Walk with Jah - Unique Sounds

Statistics - Hundred Years

Health Over Wealth - Sir Logie Int Records

Dub Pistols - Killa Sound - Ft Donovan Kingjay & Seanie Tee Wanna Know What Love Is - R.I.T.S The Corn Plaster Riddim Train to Zion - High Elements

Never Fail - Whodemsound

Strength Up Riddim - Reality Shock 2015 - Kris Kemist

No Cage - Blackboard Riddim - Nu Birth Records

To hear a selection of Donovan Kingjay tracks head to Soundcloud

 

Album Review:

Debut album from singer Donovan Kingjay largely produced by Kingjay himself and Nereus Joseph, who also contributes greatly to the albums instrumental construction, playing bass, drums and brasson many tracks. Also present are Ma a & Fluxy and members of the Ru  Cutt band, Jerry Lyons and Winston “Sax” Rose. Kingjay has made something of a name for himself over the last few years as a roots singer but this is an enjoyably old school style reggae vocal album, with the singer’s rich baritone, reminiscent of Luciano and Bushman, intoning across a clutch of retro style Studio One rhythms including cuts to Back Out,

Darker Shade, In Cold Blood, Get In The Groove and Keep That Light.

 

Links:

Donovan Kingjay - Notting Hill Carnival Channel One Sound System 2015

 

Interview: One Love Festival 2014

 

Donovan Kingjay: YouTube - Channel Deya

 

Donovan Kingjay Live @ Hootenanny July 2013

 

Donovan Kingjay live on Channel One Sound at Vibe Bar

 

Donovan Kingjay Live in Spain - UNDERGROW TV #27

 

Higher Meditation Album