Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Jero ジェロ - An American Enka Singer Conquers Japan


Jero ジェロ aka Jerome Charles White Jr has hit the Enka world of Japan by storm. Performing in NYC this month at the Japan Society for the first time.

This talented African American talent is the first American singer to conquer the world of Enka singing in Japan.

With numerous hits under his belt, he came into early success with his first single, Umiyuki (海雪, Ocean Snow) when it was released back in February 2008 climbing up the Oricon charts to number 4.

Jero ジェロ was selected to appear on the prestigious New Year's Eve show that December 2008 - Kohaku Uta Gassen on NHK - fulfilling a promise that he had made to his dying grandmother to appear on the yearly competition one day.

Jero ジェロ has performed extensively in Japan and also on the US West Coast and in Philadephia, PA where he is from; however earlier this month he performed in NYC to a sold out crowd at the Japan Society.


Enaka music which can best be described as a heartfelt ballad is typically popular with a more mature audience; however, Jero's popularity and youthful appearance has translated an interest in this art form by the younger people of Japan.

He has several songs and cds available - some even on itunes that you can download.

I encourage you to check out this new talent.

All the best....Mark