Singer-songwriter Jamogi knew he’d have a career in show biz from an early age—six years old, to be exact.
“A lightbulb went off,” Jamogi says. “It just felt natural.”
The singer still vividly remembers that early discovery. Cast as an angel in his church’s Christmas pageant, his solo in “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” left an impression. Later in the show, a fellow performer was so moved she handed him a microphone to join in a duet of “Silent Night.”
The applause was infectious.
Now, the vocalist fronts his own group, Jamogi and The Jammers. Later this month, on June 14, the funk band will make its Boulevardia debut. They’ve been steadily rehearsing since March to prepare for the performance, which follows the release of their latest EP, Celebration.
“You can expect horns, delicious harmonies and the musicianship to just really show through,” Jamogi says. “And a fun time that’ll make you want to get up and dance.”
But at the helm is Jamogi’s undeniable star quality. The charismatic frontman brings intentional attention to detail—carefully orchestrating everything from song arrangements to choreography to coordinated attire.
Growing up singing with the Kansas City Boys Choir and later studying voice at UMKC’s Conservatory, Jamogi has long been connected to KC’s music scene, but his shift from a solo artist to leading a full band came somewhat unexpectedly. Just over two years ago in April 2023, Jamogi and The Jammers was born.
At the time, the vocalist was volunteering with Art Incubator Hub KC, a creative studio space that invited him to perform a Tiny Desk-style set at an upcoming event. He had two options: sing with backing tracks, as he typically did, or put together a live band for the occasion. Having just released his EP Age of Aquarius, it seemed like a fitting time to try something new.
“I asked some close friends and one of my choir brothers from the Kansas City Boys Choir to drum for me,” Jamogi says. “We only had three weeks to pull it together, but we made it happen. We’ve been getting booked ever since.”
Since then, Jamogi and The Jammers has expanded to feature a full rhythm section, including keys, guitar, drums and bass, along with blaring horns and a trio of background singers. Drawing heavily on funk and jazz influences, Jamogi says the band’s Boulevardia show will also incorporate “worldly music” like dembow—a style evolved from reggaeton from the Dominican Republic.
“We’re all about bridging cultural and genre gaps,” Jamogi says.
GO: Jamogi and The Jammers at Boulevardia. June 14. Visit boulevardia.com for a full festival lineup and performance times.
