- Genre :: Urban/Hip hop
- Listen :: xx
- View :: Band Website
- download :: HiRes Image
AFAR is an instrumental hip-hop band with jazz, R&B and gospel influences. Committed to pushing the boundaries of how hip-hop defines itself, the group focuses on three concepts: live music, unity and education. Through its recordings, performances, and educational workshops nationally and abroad, the band seeks to spread the message that in this age of electronic music, live instrumentation remains the source of it all.
Richard Johnson (piano) was first introduced to the piano by his father, a church gospel pianist, at the age of five. He went on to graduate from Berklee School of Music and earned a Master's Degree in Jazz Pedagogy from the Boston Conservatory. Before forming AFAR, Mr. Johnson was a member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and also played alongside such music legends as Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, B.B. King, and Herbie Hancock. He has participated in three international tours with the U.S. State Department, sharing his talents with audiences in Central and South America and South Asia.
Jason C. Berry "Jahah" (lyricist) is an emcee, singer, songwriter and producer who penned his first song at the age of 15. He has appeared as a guest on albums by Grammy-winning rapper Speech from the group Arrested Development. His tracks have been featured on the television channels Fox Sports, MTV, VH1, UPN;programs such as The Super Bowl, Major League Baseball, NBA Rhythm 'n Rims and in various video games. Jahah also released an independent album entitled Mama's Only Son in 2004.
Double D. (bass) is AFAR's only completely self-taught musician. After an early introduction to gospel music in church, he began playing drums and then adopted the bass 10 years ago. With experience on both instruments, bassist Double D. is the ultimate addition to the rhythm section.
Che (drums) is a resourceful and inventive drummer who taught himself to play on pots and pans before beginning his formal musical training in middle school. After honing his craft in the church he went on to play professionally with Julie Dexter, "The UK's Queen of Soul." He is particularly proud to represent his hometown, Atlanta, on the live music stage.
