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Biography
Afemata may have been born in Long Beach but he was raised on the tough streets of Compton. The man credits music and his family with keeping him on the straight and narrow, and the combination of the two was what first sparked the young Boog’s interest in singing and performing.
Boog was four years old when his sister took up piano lessons, and there was something about the music that fascinated him even at that age. He would watch her play, learn along with her at the same time, and soon after he found that he could sing along with her playing note for note.
After that, she started playing from a Bob Marley songbook and from then on, all bets were off.Afemata was hooked, he began singing wherever he could, but only took it seriously as a career prospect after high school.
Fast forward to 2007, where a trip to Hawaii and a chance meeting with legendary reggae singer George Veikoso (AKA Fiji) led to Boog handing the veteran singer a mixtape he’d been working on. Fiji got Boog to perform for the staff of South Pac Records, and they began working on Boog’s debut album the day after. Literally.
As if that wasn’t fairytale enough, his debut album “Hear Me Roar” went on to chart in the top ten of the Billboard Reggae albums chart, and his second effort, 2011’s “Backyard Boogie” topped it. He’s truly one of American reggae’s hottest talents, and it’s only getting hotter from hear on out.
Live reviews
There are few gigs that will leave you smiling as much as the experience of seeing J Boog live. The Samoa-born, California-raised J Boog (aka jerry Afernata) and his Hawaiian reggae band deliver some of the freshest, most ear-pleasing island vibes and singalong harmonies around today.
Since the surprise success of their debut album 'So Far Gone' in 2007, J Boog quit his Compton refinery job, packed up and moved to Hawaii to pursue music full-time, and has been touring and recording non-stop ever since. While their first album was very much a chilled-out, Hawaiian reggae sound, their latest musical output has tapped into J Boog's Jamaican reggae influences, with songs like the radio-friendly 'Let's Do It Again', and covers of Bob Marley songs such as the immortal 'Turn Your Lights Down Low'.
As a live act, J Boog are pure sunshine entertainment. I saw them in 2012 opening for Cali reggae superstars Rebelution at Stubb's BBQ in Austin, Texas, which was the perfect setting for such a positive, feelgood band. Their brand of South Pacific-meets-Southern California cool was epitomized by the band's lei garlands and matching American football jerseys. This is music that is best listened to outdoors, but even if it's raining, J Boog's reggae will transport you to tropical beaches and sunny climes. They're a hardworking bunch and tour a lot, so don't miss an opportunity to see them live!
louise_h
Watching J Boog live was one of the most chilled, happy musical experiences of my life. J Boog has a distinctively reggae, Hawaiian, bohemian style that seems at odd, at first, with his rapper status. However, J Boog succeeds in mixing rap and hip hop with reggae flawlessly. The result is a mellow, happy and decidedly summery sound. Boog provides the perfect summer time, beach or festival music and I could not stop swaying and tapping my feet to his sound throughout the performance. ‘Let’s Do it Again’ was a particular stand out of the show, and it had most of the crowd singing along as Boog did his thing on stage, accompanied by a number of musicians. ‘Love Me’ was another favourite, mixing a more mellow, bohemian sound with rap. ‘Sunshine Girl’, ‘Police and Thieves’ and ‘Street Life’ were also great. When Boog walked on to stage, tattoos and snapback, I was not expecting reggae, summery music. I’m so glad that he exceeded all my expectations and I would thoroughly recommend going to see this man.
sabraziz
For all for the concerts I've been to, this one actually started on time! I had such a great time, there was so much crowd participation and the openers were great! Sometimes I don't look forward to openers because they can be lame but Hirie and Fortunate Youth opened for J Boog and they were amazing. They really got the crowd going. There was definitely a lot of weed in the air, but what is an island music concert with out the smoking bomb bud? J Boog was even more amazing than I could have imagined. He even let us do a meet and greet with him after the show. He does so well with getting the crowd pumped up and everyone's participation made the concert even better. I'd definitely go again!
Tigger553
J Boog is charismatic, great voice but it was a small venue and it was hard to hear him as the mix seemed heavy on the band. Very loud and the sound quality wasn't great. Etana was wonderful but lacked the intensity I have seen at other shows in Jamaica. I can't imagine Jesse Royal continuing to tour.His band looked frustrated by his lack of artist discipline and random singing riffs. Not sure why he played so long....agonizing wait for J boog!!!!It would have been great if it was Etana first, j boog to follow. Still love J Boog....will continue to follow his growing journey.
lucinda-marafino-mar
Love J Boog he has great stage presence. However have seen him in many shows over the years he seemed a bit winded not sure if had a cold. Or because he's gained a lot of weight. We also want to her a full song of his big hits not part of the song. Kept switching on us. It was the first time my brother-in-law saw them. He said he wished he could have heard more complete hits. Seemed like a sold out show.
groomingprettypets
First time at a live concert and I had a blast. Everyone who performed last night was awesome. Meeting him was well worth the $75.00.
J BOOG was humble and had us laughing before the show. He signed everything me and my husband asked for. We were the only ones there for the Greet and Meet so it was very special for us.
Thanks for a great time. Hope to see J again..
nikki-nichole-polewa
Just saw his show on 7-12-17 @ The Black Sheep in Colorado Springs! What a great show and J Boog performed close to 20 songs. The vibe in the venue was poppin and full of energy for a small venue. We were so close to the stage as well. I think Colorado Springs made J Boog feel welcomed and I'm sure he felt all the love and energy
vene-a-ventura
Great Show!!!!! Drove in from Lafayette, La. to see his show at Tipatina's in New Orleans! Had a blast with some friends and family, stagefront on the barricades literally 10' from stage! Jam out to J Boog on the regular, but "HIGHLY" recommend seeing him LIVE.....it's a must!!!
buckey-hill
Boog was great as I expected
His hardliners
Smdh
I believe Boog will be in upstate ny this summer
If the headliners change
I'll be there
The should have done something about the Pot smoking too
One of my friends left before Boog came out!!! Because of the smell
Chrisanmar55
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