(August 11, 2026) Around 15 years ago, Tamina Khyrah-Joi sat down at an acoustic piano to perform Jill Scott’s hit from 2007, “The Way.” That version from Scott’s debut CD crossed over on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks. And Tamina’s rendition reflected an articulate soulful jazz demeanor that carried her through Berklee College of Music (the alma mater of her mother, Dr. Gail Jhonson), as well as background turns with music veterans like Phil Perry and Norman Brown.
Of course, Jhonson helped shaped Tamina’s career and features her as a vocalist in the highly respected all ladies’ contemporary jazz ensemble, Jazz in Pink. Last year, SoulTracks presented J.I.P. and the singer/songwriter during the 2025 holiday season with the steppers “Christmas Candlelight.”
Building on her solo recording profile, Tamina offered a future wedding anthem in 2026 entitled “Love You For Always.” With her follow-up single, she illustrates how faith wins out if taken seriously. Our latest First Listen, “As Above So Below,” effortlessly swings with tight vocal harmonies declaring the light of God that beats through life’s darkness. And those eternal words of hope snuff out what one may find or hear from worldly based forces:
Don’t get caught up in all the superficial propaganda
The truth is they don’t want you to remember what you’re made of
Social media can make you question if you’re good enough
I’m here to remind you you’re a star.
A resonating funk groove surrounds Khyrah-joi’s breezy jazz-infused lead and background harmonies. Instrumental contributors are Willie Bradley on trumpet, Myrish on trombone and Jhonson, who sprinkles snappy piano dust. Tamina’s songwriting bathes in an elegant joy with Burnie Stevenson (“Christmas Candlelight”) in the production chair. Take a listen!
By Peggy Oliver
