Janine "Jah9" Cunningham

Old school blues improvisation meets hard hitting lyrical prowess in a rich imaginative blend of vocal clarity and complexity. Janine brings her refreshing mix of contemporary and conscious poetry to the stage and delivers a mature, sophisticated style with a unique and captivating energy all of her own. Her musical influences range from Billie Holiday and Nina Simone to Augustus Pablo and Sizzla Kalonji. 

As a singer/songwriter/activist, Janine touches on issues ranging from social injustice, violence, politics and gender to intimate matters of the heart, mind and spirit. Janine a.k.a. ‘Jah9’ has emerged from the underground poetry/live music scene relatively unknown and has earned the hearts and respect of her peers and audiences with each encounter since. 

Over the past 5 years she has been consistently and impressively making her mark on the Jamaican musical landscape, inspiring audiences and musicians alike through her songs and the live productions she has conceptualized and staged. She is now poised for heavy rotation due to her signature sound and collaborations with ace producers including Donovan Bennett of Corleon Records, Sheldon Bernard and Beres Hammond of Harmony House Music, and on her highly anticipated debut album project with Rory "Stonelove" Gilligan. The album is slated for release on February 26, 2013 but Jah9 is already in demand as a songwriter and creative director of repute. 

'Jazz on Dub’ is the sound she has created - a mix of her two favourite music forms, while infusing all expressions of the arts into her live performances. She intends to take her word sounds to the world, entertaining and inspiring all along the way. This young woman is full to the brim and pouring her heart out.


Upsetta Records, in association with Team Upsetta, is owned and operated by Selector Dubee, Dante, Original King, Pauly Danger and, Jon Demus.  For more information visit:  Upsetta.com  

Upsetta Records has deep roots in Jamaica, as the founders are also longtime members of Upsetta International Sound System, which was founded in Montego Bay, Jamaica in 1980.

Upsetta Records introduced themselves to the reggae industry with their debut release, the Cuss Fix Riddim (2009), which featured established Reggae Veterans such as Admiral Tibet & Determine and introduced to the world to a considerable amount of “yet to be heard” artists – including Ras Q, Zico, Greta Frost and more. The Cuss Fix Riddim was released and promoted digitally, by Upsetta Records and still achieved many #1 chart listings and top download rankings.

Upsetta Records’ returned in 2011, with the critically acclaimed Bomboflow Riddim (Flow Productions).  Upsetta Records’ sophomore release, featured two number one hits, “Too Watchy” by International Superstar, Collie Buddz and “Farmer Man” by Jamaican Reggae Star, Kali Blaxx.  The Bomboflow Riddim also featured popular tunes from Zamunda, Khago, Admiral Tibet, Fyakin, Cario Muzyk and many more.  Upsetta Records’ was praised in various reviews and noted as a ‘classic’ as well as ‘top reggae riddim‘ 2011 and has inspired Reggae Music Videos, that feature Fyakin, Kali Blaxx, Jah Thunder and Shalli.

In the Spring of 2013, Upsetta Records returned with the release of the Kingship Riddim (Flow Productions), a funky, ‘rootical’ skank’ offering, which features International Stars like Laza Morgan, Erup, Zamunda – as well as upcoming stars Mr. Melody, Melloquence, Sanjay and more. 

Upsetta Records’ followed the momentum of the Kingship RIddim with their fourth Reggae, roots riddim release in November 2013,  Pot A Cook Riddim (Flow Productions).  The uplifting, "summery" Pot A Cook Riddim featured such reggae stars as Bobby Hustle, Fyakin, Mikey General, Winstrong & Zamunda; in addition to upcoming reggae talents as Boom Dekka, Cario and Senita Mogul. 

Upsetta Records' immediately followed up their four, successful reggae riddim releases with their first single release in September 13, 206 - the critically acclaimed "Real Survivor" by Bredren B (Ghana) featuring Boom Dekka, Cario & Senita Mogul (Jamaica).  In addition to keeping Upsetta Records' flowing over International airwaves, "Real Survivor" received many rave reviews and was featured on notorious, mainstream music blogs Ear Milk & Hype'em.

Three years later, Upsetta Records' is back.  Reloaded and Refocused.  The crew looks forward to releasing several new riddim releases over the Summer/Fall 2016 - including the Love Jump Riddim, Reggae Robin Riddim, Lion Pride Riddim and the crew's highly anticipated dancehall riddim debut, Kill Di Rhythm!

Serious song-writer. Looking for different sounds outside the norm pop/ r&b. Very interested in electro, house, rave to add a twist but I am definately pop. Especially interested in producers in New York .

Evabless Vibes is following