Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to J O M i. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, J O M i thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Man, it’s hard to even find a place to began with this topic. Everyday is a risk as a creative to be honest, especially with the way the media is nowadays. As a child, I did a lot of other activities. I have 2 older brothers, with me being the youngest, it gave me the opportunity to explore 2 worlds before I began creating mine. My parents definitely had a vision for us that really wasn’t catered around creativity at all, prior to finding out that my father was actually a retired gospel recording artist. We grew up centered around the education field as my parents had began their careers at an early age in education; however, as time went on, being a creative was sorta inevitable. We grew up in a family baptist church, that I still attend and play at actually. I found myself ALWAYS amongst the band members as a kid, learning and soaking up as much game as possible until one day, I decided to begin my career as a musician. This alone was the biggest risk of my life. Determined and strong willed as I was to be a musician, little did I know the conflict that would embark upon my life within my family. I guess we can safely say that I had discovered my purpose and there was noooo stopping me at that point. I remember vivid moments with me and my parents during my schooling age where tension was at an all time high due to my urge to do music. I spent my entire life fighting for my career, proving myself day after day that the risk was worth it all. I wouldn’t trade it for teaching one bit!

J O M i, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a Houston, Texas native with what I would consider abnormal skill sets, my instruments of profession are playing all percussion instruments and also the Trombone, a bit unusual! Playing drums as a child, I had no problem beating on things growing up. From church to outside gigs, I developed a journey of being a professional drummer and overall musician early on in life even through grade schooling. In the year of 2008, I began playing Trombone, quickly developing skills, and gaining opportunities to play in higher-level ensembles at a very young age. I gained a love for Marching Bands and HBCUs growing up in my household, my father and mother both graduated from Texas Southern University gaining 2 Master’s Degrees, and my brother marched in “The Human Jukebox” marching band and graduated from Southern University, also obtaining a Masters degree from Lamar University. Influenced by my parents, I attended Texas Southern University as well where I truly gained a love for the Trombone and was also discovered by the world-renowned artist Solange Knowles, with whom I still work with from time, love her so much, we recently received an Emmy nomination for best commercial of 2021 with Beats By Dre! Something I’m MOST proud of for sure. I just really gained a strong passion for the art and craft of music and the entertainment industry. I realized talent and skill are not just given to anyone as I thank God every day for the opportunity to display mine. I am now currently working with a collective of artists, pursuing artist development in studio etiquette as well as performing, while managing and still performing live and producing records. I am expanding my career in music, fashion, and many more skill sets as I continue to develop into the individual God has placed me here to be.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Most definitely, my goal has always been to give my family a better life than the one we have been living. My parents sacrificed so much for me and my brothers, especially in college, I can’t wait to be able to pay them back and give them the life they deserve along with with my 3 year old niece, Jrue. She’s literally our everything as she is the 3rd generation of our family legacy.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

What a great question! I honestly feel as though the most rewarding aspect is the genuine support and encouragement I receive from friends, family, fans or supporters I would say. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them. Being able to change someone’s mood through art is such a powerful tool that we creatives overlook and/or take for granted from time to time. I try my best to stay connected with supporters, they could also change YOUR mood with encouragement, something motivational to keep you creating, you just never know. One thing I DO know, you can definitely count on the fact that it’s always going to be from the heart, whatever it is.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ohmyjomi?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jomi-calhoun-733ab8124
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@calhounjomi1234

Image Credits
@aalisub @eye.of.yossica @fontenot.john @culturerefinedconcerts