top of page

About KMRE

A photo of Kemari sitting in nature, with legs open and his hands on his knees
A photo of Kemari leaning with a calm and focused demeanor
DSCF7060-Edit-25.jpg

My Story

I am the last born of both my parents in Negril, Westmoreland. Like most Jamaican children, I grew up going to the school, church and playing with my cousins in the every chance I could. My mother noticed that I was a fast learner and did everything she could, with my father to ensure I had a good education - though we could not afford it. I did my best and stayed on top of my class, which I imagined made them very proud. It was clear in their mind that I was on the way to becoming a doctor or one of the other TRADITIONAL occupations Jamaicans hold sacred. 

 

Then I turned 7 years old, and in my mother's absence I found the courage to get up in church on testimony service and SING. That was my first solo and the church was amazed - that's the moment I discovered the power of my voice. Years went by as both my voice and my personal relationship with God developed. I had a real passion for singing those beautifully written worship songs that filled me with so much love and comfort.      

KMRE's logo- a text based image featuring "KMRE" in yellow using a bold serif font. There are music notes surrounding "KMRE"

 My years at both Munro College and The Rusea's High School proved to me that I was excellent at two things: MUSIC and MATH, which persuaded me to apply for a BSc. in Actuarial Science at the University of the West Indies - despite being denied a student loan and oblivious to how I would receiving funding. My parents worked tirelessly and with God's guidance, I was on my way to becoming one of Jamaica's few registered actuaries. Then, I attended the Blues on the Green concert in 2016 in Kingston and saw the headliner, Fantasia Barrino - That shifted the trajectory of my life and career forever. 

 

Since then, I focused on energy singing anywhere I could on the University campus while still pursuing my degree - at my mother's request. That led to me receiving not only my BSc. in Actuarial Science but also, the Premier Award for the Creative Arts 2019 for my contribution to the Cultural Arts at the National level. While finishing the last year of my program, I became a performer at the Ashe Company where I not only honed my musical ability but also learned how to dance and perform on many different stages. After 3 years, I was ready to take my career to the next level and go solo.

​

Now, I am a singer songwriter aiming to create music that brings hope and comfort to all people - regardless of race, age, culture and location. My desire is to establish a catalogue of music that not only empowers the present generations, but can be a source of refuge for the generations to come. It is not an easy feat, but with the support of God in me, my tribe and supporters, it will become a reality. 

bottom of page