Singer Jah’Mila to join Julian Taylor onstage for African Heritage Month

Jhamiela Smith, known by her stage name Jah’Mila, will perform with musician Julian Taylor at the Canadian Museum of Immigration on Friday for African Heritage Month. 

Smith immigrated to Canada from Jamaica nine years ago. Since then, she has released two albums, and has a new EP set to be released this summer. Her album Roots Girl was nominated for a Juno award in 2024.

The Signal spoke with Smith a few days before her performance about her music career, the challenges of being an artist in the modern age, and her first collaboration with Julian Taylor. 

Q: What calls you to make music? 

A: For me, music is personal before it is performative, and I find it to be therapeutic and medicinal. I’m always singing whether or not people are listening. So it’s natural to me, like any other bodily function. Making music is a part of me. 

Q: Did you always want to be an artist or was your goal just to make music? 

A: I never anticipated that I would be a part of the music industry. But when you have a gift, it’s your responsibility to share it. And sharing this gift with others requires you to exact some structure around the way that you do it. So, my artistry is kind of like that, where I just really want to share my music and my culture, but I’ve had to learn about the structures of the industry, and how to navigate those things. 

Q: Does being in the music industry put limits on the music you create?

A: There is a lot of external stress on artists to fit what looks like popular culture, and what is better received by listeners. Earlier in my career, I struggled with trying to be what I thought people wanted. But as I grow older, I realize that I am happier standing in my authenticity, regardless of whether it meets popular criteria. 

Q: Your sound is inspired by Jamaican music, would you want to explore different genres in the future?

A: Absolutely. I’ve developed most of my musical abilities through reggae music, but when I was making the album Woman of the Sun, I was encouraged by my creative team to explore other sounds.

This also relates to what I have been battling with recently. Someone on YouTube has used my name and my brand, and put out two to three AI-generated albums every day since November. I’m saying this to show that we’re in a very crucial time as artists and creatives, where our livelihoods and all of our life’s work can be threatened at any moment by AI. 

Since this happened, it caused me to look at my brand and creativity in a different way. If it’s so easy for AI to make a new Jah’Mila, it’s telling me that it’s time for me to break down the parameters I’ve exacted around my art, and really dive headfirst into my music, whatever it sounds like.

Q: Your last album, Woman of the Sun, was released in 2024. Are you working on a new album right now? 

A: Yes, I have my next EP ready to go. I’ve already released one single in the fall, and the next one will be released in spring. If all goes well, the full EP will be released in the summertime. 

Q: What is this EP about?

A: It’s about the next step of my growth. I’m hoping that when someone listens to my music from beginning to end, they’ll be able to come on the journey of my growth with me and hear it sonically. Not only in the strength of my performance, but also in the sophistication of the production.

Q: How do you describe your growth in the last few albums? 

A: Exponential. Over the past three and a half years, I’ve gone from being an aspiring emerging artist to a Juno-nominated artist that is nationally known. I’m very proud of myself but also proud of the team and the community who have helped me move these goals forward. 

Q: How is it being an artist in Nova Scotia? 

A: I love being an artist in Nova Scotia. It’s been all love and support, especially the arts community. I’m so grateful to be a part of it. I would love to see more support for live music venues and studios for artists though.

Q: How do you feel about your first performance with Julian Taylor? 

A: Very excited. Julian is an artist that I met in 2024 and since then I have been really interested in his music and his artistry. I’m grateful to be able to spend more time with him and to hear him live. Hopefully, we can sing a song or two together, that would be a really big dream come true for me.

Q: This performance is for African Heritage Month. What does this month mean to you? 

A: Every month could be African Heritage Month because I’m so proud of my culture and background. When I sit and think about my ancestors who had to face unimaginable challenges to afford me the privileges I have today, I don’t take that for granted. I want to make the most of my opportunities while I honour their legacy and sacrifices. 

Q: How do you feel being a voice for this month in Halifax? 

A: I consider it a high privilege and I know that it comes with a responsibility to share, teach and raise awareness. I’m constantly aiming to sharpen myself so that someone will be touched by what I have to share.

Q: What do you want people to take away from your performance? 

A: I want those who are present for the performance to leave feeling fulfilled, informed, and if they’re Black like me, I want them to leave feeling proud. Proud of Black people collectively, but also proud of themselves. I would love for people to walk away feeling empowered to share their own stories.